The Bangladesh Students’ League (BSL), student wing of the ruling Awami League, has appealed to the international community to ensure that the country’s next general election, scheduled for February 12, 2026, is conducted under a neutral government, describing it as crucial for stability and democracy.
In a statement, the BSL condemned what it called a campaign of “state-sponsored violence, terror, and repression” under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. The student organisation described the current regime as “illegitimate and unconstitutional,” alleging that Bangladesh is descending into disorder amid rising extremism and a collapse of law and order.
The BSL cited recent incidents including arson attacks on major newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, enforced disappearances, and coordinated assaults on media, cultural organisations, minority communities, and political groups. It called the attempted burning of The Daily Star office while staff were inside “particularly grave,” framing it as an assault on press freedom.
Highlighting human rights violations, the organisation referred to the death of Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh district, who was allegedly beaten to death under false charges of blasphemy, with no subsequent investigation.
The student group also raised concerns over repeated attacks on Indian diplomatic missions, including stone-pelting and arson at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre, saying these acts violate the 1961 Vienna Convention.
The BSL alleged that the interim government has conducted mass arrests of Awami League leaders and activists while supporting extremist groups, further dismantling the rule of law. The organisation insisted that only elections conducted under a neutral administration could restore democracy and stability in Bangladesh.
