As 2024 drew to a close, a cascade of year-end analyses reviewed political milestones with mixed tones of hope and despair. Among these, the change of government in Bangladesh emerged as a pivotal narrative. The Economist named Bangladesh the “country of the year” for being the most improved. At the same time, The Guardian hailed the protest movement that ousted Sheikh Hasina as a significant stride toward democracy. Yet, while the Western press continues to applaud the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the reality within Bangladesh paints a grimmer picture: a nation grappling with a spiraling collapse in law and order.

A week before the winter holidays, a report submitted to the president of the European Parliament revealed a chilling statistic: since Hasina’s ouster, over 4,700 activists have been killed. These staggering numbers come amid mounting alarm from NGOs and a statement from John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesperson, warning that President Biden is closely monitoring the situation. The report further alleges targeted attacks on minority groups, inflaming religious tensions, and politically motivated appointments bypassing due process.

In the educational sector, the removal of key figures from schools and universities has led to systemic dysfunction, compounding the nation’s woes. Meanwhile, Amnesty International has condemned the interim government’s treatment of Rohingya refugees, describing it as emblematic of a broader collapse in Bangladesh’s social contract.

The breakdown of law and order manifests in chilling ways. For example, arrests often occur without proper notice, with many detainees learning of their charges through the media or after experiencing brutal detentions, frequently at the hands of security forces. Once in custody, detainees often disappear from public view, leaving families and the media in the dark about their fates. This scenario has played out for hundreds of Awami League members detained or sued following Hasina’s ouster.

As a result, many Bangladeshis live in fear or seek refuge abroad. Vigilante justice has become normalized; judges are being dismissed under pressure from student protestors, and ethnic minorities are being forced out of government roles. The legal infrastructure is crumbling, and there seems to be little urgency to address the chaos.

In August, over 450 police stations were ransacked, with the police reporting the theft of thousands of firearms and other equipment. Local sources claim 3,000 police officers were killed during the violence, yet the interim government’s official figures report only 44 fatalities. Adding to the disarray, 700 prisoners who escaped during the unrest remain at large, while the government appears apathetic toward recapturing them.

Bangladesh’s precarious internal situation is further strained by tensions with India and uncertainties surrounding upcoming elections. The Election System Reform Commission has taken to social media to reassure citizens of their voting rights amid fears that the Awami League might be banned from participating. However, doubts about upcoming elections being free and fair persist.

Economically, Bangladesh faces continued uncertainty. Major industries report struggles, with the exchange rate against the dollar soaring and the central bank grappling to maintain reserves. The garment sector, long considered the backbone of the economy, is under strain, mirroring Pakistan’s previous economic woes. Compounding this crisis, cases of dengue fever remain high, and recent reports indicate that $5 billion is lost annually as citizens seek better healthcare abroad.

For many who joined the protests earlier this year, their demonstrations were fueled by hopes for a more equitable Bangladesh. Yet, the nation that has emerged under the interim government mirrors the failings of Hasina’s government. Allegations of retribution and nepotism dominate the narrative, while the absence of law and order and no set election date cast a shadow over the nation’s future.