Bangladesh Opposition Calls for Prime Minister's Resignation Amid Civil Unrest and Mass Arrests Ahead of Elections

Opposition leader detained and key demands denied in escalating pre-electoral crisis, as hundreds injured and over 1,000, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party's Secretary General, are arrested.

• Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was arrested and detained by authorities, sparking nationwide protests and an escalation of violence resulting in several fatalities.
• The opposition has demanded the resignation of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of a non-partisan caretaker government to oversee the upcoming general elections.
• The Awami League party, currently in power, has rejected dialogue with the opposition and insists that Prime Minister Hasina should remain head of government until the election. They have also opposed any changes to the Election Commission.
• Over 1,000 people, including key opposition figures, have been arrested amid a three-day blockade starting on Tuesday, initiated by the opposition party to protest against the mass arrests.
• The U.S. assistant secretary of state has warned of visa restrictions for individuals involved in violent incidents disrupting the electoral process.
• The European Union and the United States have urged all sides to maintain restraint as tensions rise ahead of the national elections expected to be held in January.

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