Former diplomat flags Yunus govt failure after lynching of another Hindu youth

New Delhi, Dec 26: Former diplomat Mahesh Sachdeva on Friday criticized the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh for its inability to maintain law and order, following the second mob lynching of a Hindu youth within a week.
The latest victim, 29-year-old Amrit Mondal, was lynched by a mob in the Hossaindanga area of Kalimohar Union on Wednesday, reportedly driven by sectarian hatred.
Sachdeva told IANS that these incidents highlight multiple concerns: the interim government’s failure to ensure security, the intensifying competition among political parties to appear more pro-Muslim and fundamentalist, and the resulting social tensions, spread of conspiracy theories, and growing insecurity among minority communities.
Sachdeva raised questions about whether communal hostility would subside after the February 12, 2026 elections or worsen if extremist forces gain power. He also noted that the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman after 17 years of self-imposed exile could significantly impact the electoral process.
Rahman, viewed as the BNP’s frontrunner for the upcoming elections, addressed a massive gathering in Dhaka, emphasizing inclusivity for Muslims and Christians and praising development achieved during the Awami League government’s tenure.
Analysts are watching for his stance on India, as well as his economic and social policies, amid political turmoil.
Bangladesh has faced widespread violence over the past 14 months, which intensified following the announcement of the election schedule. Critics argue that Rahman’s return may further inflame tensions, testing the interim government’s ability to hold free, fair, and credible elections.
The BNP, historically aligned with the Yunus-led interim government, played a role in overthrowing the democratically elected Awami League government last year.
Amid this volatile political landscape, the security of minority communities and the credibility of the electoral process remain major concerns for observers and analysts.
Minority killings, unrest force Yunus govt into damage control
Since Wednesday, Bangladesh has witnessed developments reflecting the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus attempting to manage negative perceptions arising from unrest and minority-targeted violence.
Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to Yunus for the Ministry of Home Affairs, resigned, with his departure promptly accepted, signaling the government’s intention to hold officials accountable for law-and-order failures.
On the same day, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal (also known as Samrat), was lynched in Rajbari district. While local reports linked him to extortion and prior criminal cases, there was no clear evidence he was targeted for his religion.
Authorities quickly highlighted his alleged criminal background, reducing potential criticism of the government after last week’s killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker, who was brutally beaten and burned by a mob over blasphemy allegations.
These incidents underscore ongoing political unrest and minority vulnerability following the August 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Chowdhury, a former Inspector General of Police appointed in November 2024 to oversee security and boost law enforcement morale, was seen as failing to meet expectations, particularly in crisis management.
The interim administration appears focused on controlling narratives, preventing further embarrassment, and demonstrating decisive action amidst rising domestic and international scrutiny. (Agencies)