Unraveling the Threads of
Political Vendetta
The Controversial Reinstatement of Kohinoor Mia and the Arrest of Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi in Bangladesh's New Era.
A New Political Era or Old Patterns Repeating?
The political transformation following the 2024 uprising created widespread expectations of democratic renewal. However, the contrast between the formal pledges of the new administration and their early actions is raising serious concerns about cyclical retaliation.
The Public Promises
Following the Awami League's fall, leaders pledged to move beyond entrenched retaliation. Former PM Khaleda Zia called for a society built on “love, peace, and knowledge.” BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman reiterated these commitments leading to the Feb 12, 2026 victory.
The Emerging Reality
Early developments critically question whether Bangladesh is entering another cycle of politicized governance. Two highly symbolic incidents—the reinstatement of a dismissed police officer and the arrest of a student activist under terror laws—highlight this stark dilemma.
Inherited Challenges: Economic Fragility & Rising Crime
The BNP administration assumed power amid a complex environment. The interim period saw weakened authority, mob violence, and economic strain from factory closures, significantly impacting public security and vulnerable demographics.
Increase in Rape Cases
Between 2024 and 2025, incidents of rape and gang-rape surged as institutional authority fractured.
Notable Severe Incidents
- Minor gang-raped and murdered in Narsingdi.
- Robbery-murder in Pabna involving sexual assault of a granddaughter.
- Student raped on a passenger launch traveling the Hatia–Dhaka route.
- Child in Sitakunda violently attacked following an attempted assault.
Escalation of Gender-Based Violence
Relative Case Volume Indicator (2024 Baseline vs 2025)
Chart illustrates the proportional increase. This surge underscores the systemic weaknesses in the justice system inherited by the new government.
Indicators of Political Vendetta
Despite a fractured security landscape requiring impartial strengthening, early actions suggest state institutions—law enforcement, the judiciary, and anti-terror mechanisms—are being utilized for political retribution.
Law Enforcement Politicization
The government revoked the 2011 dismissal of Md. Kohinoor Mia, former DMP Deputy Commissioner. Dismissed for misconduct linked to the 2001 Shamsunnahar Hall incident, he was restored with full benefits.
Judicial Integrity & Human Dignity
While mob justice in courts has seen some pushback, broader patterns of judicial pressure remain. Specifically, the treatment of political detainees violates human dignity and existing legal frameworks.
Misuse of Anti-Terror Laws
Activist Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi and two others were detained and charged under the severe Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2009 for playing a historic March 7 speech.
Policy Imperatives for Democratic Governance
To break the structural problem of winner-takes-all politics, Bangladesh must prioritize these urgent reforms. True democratic consolidation requires institutions operating independently of political power.
Depoliticizing Institutions
Police recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary decisions must be governed exclusively by transparent professional criteria rather than political considerations.
Legislative Reform
The broad definitions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) must be reviewed to ensure compliance with international human rights standards and prevent political misuse.
Protecting Judicial Independence
Courts must be rigorously shielded from political pressure, and prosecutorial independence must be significantly strengthened.
Upholding Human Dignity
Authorities must strictly enforce court orders limiting the use of shackles and ensure the humane treatment of all detainees, regardless of political affiliation.
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