The United States has voiced concern over the arrest of hundreds of Awami League supporters and members in Bangladesh, as the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces growing unrest. The arrests come ahead of a planned demonstration in Dhaka, where tensions have escalated following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Speaking at a press briefing, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel stressed the importance of protecting democratic freedoms in Bangladesh, particularly the rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. "We support the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all, including dissenting and opposition voices," Patel said. He emphasised that these fundamental freedoms are essential to any functioning democracy and urged Bangladesh's interim government to uphold these values. Patel added that the US remains committed to promoting democratic principles worldwide and continues to communicate this with its partners, including Bangladesh.

In anticipation of the Awami League’s scheduled protest, Dhaka has been fortified, with 191 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed throughout the city. The protest is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, but authorities have denied the Awami League permission to hold the demonstration, further heightening tensions in the capital.

The political upheaval in Bangladesh began in early August when a large-scale student-led movement ousted Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and violent clashes. These events reportedly resulted in over 600 deaths. On August 5, Hasina fled to India, and an interim government under Yunus was established. Since then, reports of violence and attacks on minorities have emerged, sparking widespread concern from the international community.

Various human rights groups, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have called on the interim government to address the escalating situation. Amnesty International’s South Asia office recently urged a swift investigation into attacks on individuals perceived to be Awami League supporters. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the organisation stated, "Attacking people for their political beliefs is a violation of their right to freedom of expression and association." Amnesty called on authorities to protect these rights, regardless of political affiliation.

As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, concerns over its political stability and human rights situation continue to grow, with international attention focused on the unfolding developments.