Dhaka: A series of arson attacks and clashes across Bangladesh left a bus driver dead and several vehicles damaged overnight, amid rising political tensions over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stated intention to return to the country next month.
Police said at least eight vehicles were torched in separate incidents. The death was reported in southwestern Faridpur, where a bus driver died of smoke inhalation after a parked vehicle was set on fire while he was sleeping inside it.
Authorities blamed activists associated with the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations for several of the incidents. Investigations into the attacks are underway.
Padma Bridge protest disrupts traffic
One of the major incidents occurred near the southern toll plaza of the Padma Bridge in Shariatpur district, where hundreds of people linked to the Awami League and its affiliated organisations staged a protest early Tuesday.
According to police, the protesters blocked the approach road, detonated crude bombs, and vandalised vehicles. Traffic movement and toll collection remained disrupted for nearly an hour before law enforcement personnel dispersed the gathering.
In a separate incident, a coach of the intercity Haor Express was set on fire at Mohanganj railway station in Netrokona. The blaze damaged four seats before railway personnel and firefighters brought it under control. Train services continued without interruption.
Clashes were also reported in Tungipara, in Gopalganj district, where a police vehicle was set ablaze during a confrontation between law enforcement personnel and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and other Awami League-affiliated groups.
Police said eight people had been arrested in connection with the incidents and unexploded crude bombs had been recovered.
Passport request adds to tensions over Hasina's return
The latest violence comes amid a fresh controversy over Hasina's reported attempt to secure a new Bangladeshi passport and national identity card.
A London-based legal firm, Matrix Chambers, reportedly approached the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on her behalf on November 9, seeking the documents.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has ruled out issuing her a passport, saying the government wants to bring her back from India under the bilateral extradition treaty. The Home Ministry, however, has said it is examining the legal basis and validity of the request.
Hasina has been staying in India since August 5, 2024, when she fled Bangladesh following a student-led uprising that brought an end to her 15-year rule.
During a virtual interaction with the media on August 5 this year, she said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December.
Hasina's conviction and India's position
In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity over the crackdown on protesters during the 2024 uprising. She was sentenced to death on one charge and awarded life imprisonment on another.
Hasina has rejected the charges and questioned the legitimacy of the proceedings.
Bangladesh has continued to seek her extradition from India. New Delhi has acknowledged receiving the requests and said they are being examined in accordance with established procedures.
India also distanced itself from Hasina's August media interaction, clarifying that it had been organised by a private media organisation and that the government had no involvement.
The latest incidents highlight the security challenges confronting Bangladesh as the political dispute surrounding Hasina's possible return continues. Investigations into the arson attacks and clashes are underway.
