Bangladesh Opposition Leader Arrested After Violent Protests

Violent anti-government protests in Dhaka have led to the arrest of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and dozens of other party members. The protests, calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, resulted in the death of a police officer and at least one protester. While conflicting reports surround the reason for Alamgir’s arrest, both local media and AFP news agency have mentioned charges of murder and an alleged attack on the home of Bangladesh’s chief justice. Clashes between protesters and police have continued, leaving dozens injured. As elections are expected in January, Alamgir’s party, BNP, has been demanding a vote under a neutral government and calling for Hasina to step down. With thousands of party activists and opposition supporters detained in the past week, the situation remains tense in Bangladesh’s political landscape. However, this ongoing conflict highlights the deep-rooted feud between Hasina and BNP’s chairwoman, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, which has long dominated the country’s politics.