Dhaka, May 21:
Awami League on Wednesday expressed serious concern over what it described as escalating targeted attacks on its leaders, activists and their families across Bangladesh in 2026. The party warned that continued silence from the international community could push the country towards deeper political violence and instability.
The statement followed the death of 55-year-old Syada Begum in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya area, where she was allegedly killed while trying to protect her son, reportedly attacked by workers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its student wing, Chhatra Dal. The Awami League claimed the incident reflected a wider pattern of violence against those linked to the party.
The party alleged that attacks and killings of supporters have increased since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in 2024. It also raised concerns over deaths of detained political figures in prisons and assaults on arrested leaders outside courtrooms, accusing authorities of failing to ensure safety and accountability.