Romanticising violence and silencing dissent have emerged as the new face of Bangladeshi politics

Bangladesh’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, increasingly shaped by social media broadcasts, online speeches, Islamic sermons, viral videos, memes, provocative slogans, abusive language, and emotional livestreams, according to a report published on Monday.

The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh’s leading newspapers, noted that two distinct forms of extremist populism are now advancing side by side—often intersecting. One draws from revolutionary nationalist rhetoric inspired by the July 2024 demonstrations, while the other operates through religious platforms, madrasa networks, and the language of waaz (Islamic sermons).

Although these two strands may appear fundamentally different, their communication styles reveal that they are essentially playing the same game while wearing different uniforms.

Issues such as equal rights for women, inheritance law reform, recognition of third-gender individuals, and constitutional pluralism are increasingly dismissed as a “Western agenda.” They are framed as threats to religious faith or conspiracies aimed at destroying the country. Consequently, women, minorities, human rights advocates, and dissenting voices find themselves under growing pressure. In this narrative, “the people” are narrowly defined, and anyone who does not conform is pushed into the enemy camp.

Despite the differences in language, appearance, and platforms, both strands converge on one crucial point: they speak “in the name of the people.” Both label opposing parties as “illegitimate” rather than acknowledging them as political rivals. Both seek to reshape the state and the constitution according to their own vision. And both are deeply convinced of their own moral superiority, believing that no one has the right to question them.

The report further warns of a dangerous trend: the growing romanticisation of violence. When chants like “we want the rope,” “ban them,” or “wipe them out” become normal at rallies—when violent videos receive applause on social media—and when authorities or political actors quietly encourage such behaviour, people begin to believe that political problems can only be solved by eliminating the other side.

The report concludes with a grim prediction: eventually, even minor disagreements will no longer lead to compromise but to attempts to destroy the opponent entirely.

Source: Morung Express