Bangladesh has a complex history of political violence, deeply intertwined with its political dynamics and societal structures. The nation's political landscape has been predominantly dominated by two major parties: the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This rivalry has often led to significant unrest and violence.
In August 2024, a significant political upheaval occurred when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following widespread student-led protests against her government. These demonstrations, initially sparked by opposition to a controversial government job quota system, escalated into a broader movement against perceived authoritarianism and corruption. The protests resulted in over 300 deaths and thousands of incarcerations. Following Hasina's resignation, an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was established, aiming to restore democracy and address systemic issues.
The aftermath of Hasina's resignation saw a surge in violence, including attacks on minority communities. The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported that from August 4 to August 20, 2024, there were 2,010 incidents of attacks on minorities across the country, including 69 temples. Homes and businesses were looted, vandalized, and set on fire, resulting in several deaths. Analysts suggest that many of these attacks were politically motivated, targeting individuals associated with the former ruling party, rather than purely communal in nature.
Historically, political violence in Bangladesh has been a recurring issue. Between 2002 and 2013, there was a sharp increase in political violence in Dhaka, leading to significant casualties. Factors contributing to this include economic disparities, the first-past-the-post voting system, and controversial political decisions by major parties.
The culture of political violence in Bangladesh is deeply rooted, with both state and non-state actors contributing to the perpetuation of unrest. The state's use of coercive measures against political opponents and dissenters has been a significant factor in this dynamic.
In summary, political violence in Bangladesh is a multifaceted issue, influenced by historical rivalries, systemic political structures, and socio-economic factors. Efforts to address this violence require comprehensive reforms aimed at promoting political inclusivity, ensuring accountability, and protecting minority rights.
PS: Immigrants from Bangladesh are starting to organize, in Portugal, following the same political lines in their country. We had the first confrontation between different political groups a couple of weeks ago, in Martim Moniz. Same thing about rapes.. The first cases already happened. From now on, it will be more and more, as it happens in countries like Germany and Switzerland.
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In Bangladesh, the conviction rate for rape cases is alarmingly low. Unofficial estimates suggest that between 2002 and 2016, the conviction rate was around 3%. More recent data indicates that the rate has declined even further, with some reports citing a conviction rate below 1%.
Several factors contribute to this low conviction rate:
Delayed Reporting and Investigation: Survivors often face societal stigma and pressure, leading to delays in reporting incidents. A 2020 study analyzing 140 rape cases in Dhaka found that in 95% of the cases, medical examinations were conducted a week or more after the incident, compromising the collection of crucial evidence.
Judicial Delays: Despite legal provisions mandating the conclusion of trials within 180 days under the Prevention of Women and Child Repression Act, 2000, this timeframe is rarely adhered to. Consequently, many cases remain pending for years, diminishing the chances of conviction.
Evidentiary Challenges: The legal system permits the introduction of evidence regarding the victim's character, which can lead to victim-blaming and deter survivors from pursuing legal action. Section 155(4) of the Evidence Act 1872 allows for questioning the moral character of the prosecutrix, further complicating the judicial process.
These systemic issues highlight the significant barriers survivors face in obtaining justice and underscore the need for comprehensive legal and societal reforms in Bangladesh.
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