The Awami League has warned that Bangladesh is facing one of its most serious crises in recent years, citing rising extremism, economic decline, and growing law and order challenges under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

In a report titled “Bangladesh’s Crisis Deepens in 2025: A Nation in Decline”, the party alleged that the military-backed administration, which replaced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024, has failed to stabilise the country.

According to the report, at least 15 Islamist-related attacks have been recorded since October 2024, with intelligence inputs suggesting that recruitment of young people into extremist groups is increasing. The party also claimed that violence against minorities has doubled in 2025, with several incidents targeting Hindu temples and Christian institutions.

The Awami League further highlighted rising crimes against women, noting that over 4,200 cases of rape and sexual assault were officially recorded in the first half of 2025 — up from 3,100 during the same period last year. It said these numbers likely underrepresent the problem, given widespread underreporting.

On the economic front, the report said that Bangladesh’s GDP growth has slowed to 2.3 per cent in 2025, down from 6.1 per cent in 2023, while inflation has risen above 12 per cent. Foreign reserves reportedly fell to $14.5 billion in July 2025, compared to $33 billion in 2022, fuelling concerns of a balance-of-payments crisis. Youth unemployment is estimated at more than 28 per cent, and the garment sector, which employs millions, has seen significant job losses.

The Awami League said the only way forward is through free, fair, and inclusive elections under a neutral caretaker framework. It argued that the current interim administration, which it claims is aligned with the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has shown political bias and therefore cannot ensure impartial polls.