Another wave of violence has hit Bangladesh after the alleged student leader Sharif Osman Hadi died leading to a major security threat compelling Canada to issue a new travel advisory. The violence has allegedly resulted in religious minorities (especially Hindus) getting attacked, offices of national newspapers getting attacked and this is creating fear of rampant instability.
The Canadian government in its advisory had cautioned that since July 2024, the security situation in Bangladesh has been volatile. It reported that local governments have increased security operations due to the increase in violence, which included cases of crude bomb explosion and arson. There is a risk of demonstrations, violent confrontations, and general strikes in the country that the Canadians have been advised to be highly cautious.
This warning informed that the security environment may worseen any time. It also brought to the fore an imminent risk of terrorism throughout the nation, particularly in the capital or Dhaka where radical groups have already utilized improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers in their past attacks.
The targeted violence against religious minorities also attracted attention in Canada through its warning. The advisory has stated that Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, secular writers and even foreign nationals have not been left out in the worst hit cases in the recent past. The document also identified the danger of politically motivated violence where it was observed that large crowds of people usually gather at the afternoons on Fridays after Jumma prayers and that crowds can easily turn into violent fights. It has previously been involved in protests that led to the death of thousands of people.
The demonstrations can occur before, during and after national elections which are planned to take place on February 12 and the advisory has warned that the demonstrations could happen. During this time of year, authorities can also place movement restrictions and increase security, which may derail everyday life and travel.
In the meantime, the Bangladeshi diaspora in Canada has also been appalled by the ongoing violence and they are said to be taking measures.
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