Bangladesh’s Law and Order Crisis: A Failure of Leadership and Policing

Reading Time: 2 minutes Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, Bangladesh has been navigating one of the most fragile transitions in its modern history. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, appointed Chief Adviser of the interim administration, was welcomed by many as a symbol of integrity and reform. But symbolism has not translated into effective governance. Law and order have deteriorated at a rapid pace, exposing the disconnect between high-profile leadership and operational realities on the ground. The Home Affairs portfolio—the ministry directly responsible for internal security and policing—was first handed to Brigadier General (ret.) M. Sakhawat Hussain and then transferred to Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. This revolving door at the top has created uncertainty, depriving the Bangladesh Police of clear direction at a moment when clarity is most needed. Meanwhile, Dr. Yunus’s broad role as Chief Adviser has often been more symbolic than practical, leaving a dangerous