Bangladesh today: The revolution ate its own children, the country is in shambles, extremist hordes rampage it

There's nothing of the reforms that were promised on the streets. During that time, Islamist groups broke out in the devastated country, while the transitional government of the Nobel laureate arrests political dissidents.

After more than 15 years at the head of one of the most populous countries in the world, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, was forced to leave her prime minister's residence and flee to India on August 5, 2024.

While the protesters were celebrating the victory and carrying things from the Prime Minister's residence, the Chief of General Staff Waqar uz Zaman, also the husband of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cousin, announced that, after consultations with representatives of political parties (except the Awami League) and civil society organizations, a decision was made to form an interim government.

Just hours after protesters marked the fall of the regime, violence erupted across Dhaka.

Armed mobs raided neighborhoods associated with the Awami League, torched entrances and opened fire on buildings.

Citizens reported that "groups with clubs and knives were roaming the streets, attacking everything that smells like supporters of the former government."

Attacks on cultural symbols have become more frequent.

During February 2025, protesters used excavators to demolish the iconic Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

The absence of a clear authority has led to the takeover of key sectors by various elements of Islamic extremists.

Political factions and religious extremists built their power outside the state framework, while the authority of the transitional government stagnated.

Assassinations of religious and minority leaders, free thinkers, and even employees of Western institutions have become a frequent occurrence.

Jewel/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

The transitional government arrests political dissidents

As the chaos escalated, the transitional government launched a brutal crackdown.

"Operation Devil Hunt" began in February 2025, during which over 11,000 people were arrested, including many members of the Awami League, prompting accusations of a crackdown on dissent.

Hasina's party, which is still banned, says that more than twenty of its supporters have died in custody over the past year.

According to many, the provisional government seems very stuck and lost, and the people can see that.

Instead of the promised freedoms and reforms, it turns out that the revolution brought nothing but chaos. Growing frustration, crime and insecurity.

"We wanted a change, but now I'm frustrated"

The words of the former Tarif protester have become a symbol of disappointment for many, writes AP News.

Under Hasina, there was stability and institutional control.

Its position was stable, the country was growing economically, according to Reuters.

Today, instead of democracy, chaos reigns.

The people realize that everything was a farce

Mass protests without a clear institutional plan brought only a short-lived adrenaline rush, which was soon replaced by violence, disunity and uncertainty.

"Revolution" turned out to be just a new form of manipulation.

Weapons of symbolism: "Bloody hands" and street resistance

It was symbolism that played a key role in the protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina.

During the demonstrations, graffiti with bloody handprints appeared across Dhaka with messages directed against the regime accused of repression.

This is a real example of what happens when the government changes in the streets.