Introduction: Dhaka’s Uneasy Return to Normalcy
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is slowly emerging from a period of intense upheaval. Following the dramatic ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, the city’s atmosphere has shifted from one of widespread chaos to a precarious calm. The streets of Dhaka, with its population of over 20 million, are once again bustling with activity, yet the underlying tension remains palpable.
Restoring Order in Dhaka
As life in Dhaka begins to resemble normalcy, local residents are cautiously resuming their routines. Mahfuzul Islam, a 40-year-old office worker from Mohakhali, has opted for a safer commute by bus, avoiding unnecessary travel. Despite the partial restoration of order, Islam admits to a lingering sense of anxiety. “I do not have any affiliation with a political party, but I am still anxious about the prevailing situation. Nowadays, I do not go anywhere except home and office,” he shares.
Violence and Political Turmoil
The unrest began when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government faced massive protests from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The crackdown led to the tragic loss of over 300 lives before Hasina fled to India. Following her departure, violence erupted across Dhaka, with more than 200 people killed in the ensuing chaos. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took over on August 8, aiming to restore stability.
Daily Life Amid Uncertainty
Even as the city’s major establishments and businesses have reopened, a sense of unease persists. Ruhul Amin, a rickshaw puller from Dhanmondi, remains puzzled by the ongoing unrest. “I think we will have to wait for one more week to see how things go,” he says, reflecting the general uncertainty among residents.
Political Dynamics and Security Measures
The major opposition parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have ramped up their activities, further contributing to the political tension. Despite the resumption of traffic police duties, student volunteers continue to assist in managing traffic at key intersections.
Security around religious sites has been heightened, with a strong police presence now guarding the Dhakeshwari Mandir, a significant Hindu temple in Dhaka. This move follows attacks on places of worship targeting minority communities.
Reopening of Essential Services
Dhaka’s metro rail system, which had been closed due to vandalism during the protests, is set to restart operations on August 17. Educational institutions are also preparing to reopen, signaling a step towards normalcy. However, the reopening of malls and shops has been slow, with business owners reporting a decrease in foot traffic.
Mahtab Uddin, a trader in the Nilkhet area, expresses relief at the interim government’s leadership. He notes, “I am happy I don’t have to deal with extortion demands anymore.” His sentiment reflects a broader sense of optimism among some traders, despite ongoing challenges.
Challenges with Intercity and Cross-Border Train Services
After a 28-day suspension, intercity train services have resumed. However, passenger and freight train services between Bangladesh and India remain suspended. Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Sardar Shahadat Ali, highlights the ongoing issue, “We want to send the wagons back, but they aren’t taking them. They are saying they haven’t got clearance from their external affairs ministry.”
Conclusion: Dhaka’s Fragile Calm
Dhaka’s return to a semblance of normalcy is marked by a fragile calm. While daily life resumes and essential services restart, the city’s residents remain vigilant. The impact of the recent political upheaval continues to ripple through Dhaka, reflecting a broader struggle to balance security with everyday life.
