Bangladesh's 16-Month Descent into Anarchy: Hasina Flees, Hindus Targeted, Nation Divided

• Bangladesh plunged into chaos over 16 months, starting August 2024, with extremist-backed student protests, police firing, and army intervention.
• Sheikh Hasina fled the country, her home looted, and the Father of the Nation's statue toppled amidst widespread unrest.
• Hindus faced severe persecution, with homes burned and families attacked, leading to self-defense and mass gatherings in Dhaka.
• An interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus saw revenge politics, targeting Awami League leaders, and a breakdown of police morale.
• The country's secular image shattered with the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the murder of Saiful Islam Alif, culminating in Sheikh Hasina's death sentence in absentia and ongoing violence.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh experienced a rapid 16-month collapse into anarchy, marked by political upheaval, targeted violence, and a humanitarian crisis.