In the news
On 5 February, Jamaat-E-Islami supporters and other protestors called for the demolition of 32 Dhanmondi, the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

On 6 February, Sheikh Hasina stated: “A game of destruction has started around Bangladesh which is going through a phase of chaos and upheaval. Bangladesh which was a role model of development across the world has become the land of terrorists and fighters.” She added that the head of the interim government, Chief Advisor Prof Mohammed Yunus made plans to kill her and her sister. She called on the student wing of the Awami League to unite and fight for justice.

On the same day, protestors targeted the houses of Awami League leaders and Sheikh Hasina’s late husband and her family members. They set fire to, vandalized and demolished the houses and defaced murals of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman across the country. Over 274 people have already been arrested in connection to the attacks.

On 8 February, the interim government led by Chief Advisor Prof Mohammed Yunus called for “Operation Devil Hunt” which will “target those who are desperate to destabilise the country . . . it will continue until all devils are rooted out,” according to Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. 

On 12 February, the OHCHR released a report blaming Sheik Hasina and the Awami League for multiple human rights violations, hundreds of extrajudicial killings and more, stating that the extent could amount to “crimes against humanity.” The interim government welcomed the report.

Issues at large
First, recurring violence. The latest round of violence was against Sheikh Hasina’s speech and the government’s inaction on the violence during Hasina’s rule. Following Sheikh Hasina’s exile, multiple reports of violence with cars being looted, acts of arson and vandalism were reported. The recent OHCHR report condemned Sheikh Hasina for the kidnappings, torture and killings of protestors and dissenters of the Awami League. Besides, there were several reports of communal violence against minority communities. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported over 2010 cases of violence. 

Second, the interim government’s response and its effectiveness. In response to the violence on 5 February, the interim government has launched ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’. OHCHR made the report on violence upon the request of the interim government. Following the formation of the interim government, its Chief Advisor announced plans to reform with institutional changes, increased transparency and accountability and strike down the 1972 Constitution. Some of their issues included the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the corruption in the banking sector, the fall of forex reserves and rice imports in Bangladesh hitting new highs. 
 
In perspective
The potential for further political instability and violence is high. With the government’s inaction regarding the communal violence political stability remains a question, even with the launch of Operation Devil Hunt.

The UN’s report after the speech and statements made by Sheikh Hasina which followed the demolition of 32 Dhanmondi looks like a blame game to glorify the interim government, particularly Mohammed Yunus. Meanwhile, with economic regulation happening slowly but steadily, political regulation seems to be the next thing that the interim government needs to focus.