Political Crisis

The 2015 Bangladeshi political crisis is an ongoing state of political turmoil between the two main political parties of Bangladesh, the

Awami League(AL) led by prime minister

Sheikh Hasina currently in power, and the

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in opposition, led by three time former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Following the controversial 2014 Bangladeshi general election, the BNP raised several demands for a second election under a neutral caretaker government. By 5 January 2015, the first anniversary of the election, their demands were not met and the BNP initiated countrywide protests and traffic blockades.[6] After many violent and fatalattacks on the public by alleged BNP protesters, the AL branded the BNP as terrorists and Khaleda Zia was forcefully confined to her office.[7] The BNP then called the international community for support,[5] but other nations were reluctant to intervene as the BNP's reputation was damaged by the violence and the international community reiterated that the disputes should be handled peacefully.

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Background

See also: Bangladeshi general election, 2014

Summary

Events

On 5 January 2015, Khaleda Zia urged members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to halt road, rail and river transport immediately.[1] This marked the start of the countrywide blockade.

On 18 February 2015, a Dhaka court issued arrest warrants for 23 BNP leaders and activists, including Joint Secretary-General AmanullahAman, and former president of the

Jatiyatabadi ChhatraDal, Sultan Salauddin Taku, for two arson cases. It was passed because the accused did not appear in the court during the hearing.[9]

On 20 February 2015, the Sylhet –Dhaka intercity train, bound for Sylhet at the time, was firebombed when it was driving through the Habiganj district. No casualties were reported as the driver sped away to safety. Reports of attempts to cause derailments has also been reported.[10]

On 25 February 2015, a special Judge Court in...