Violence at Bangladesh Air Force Base Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

Dhaka: One person was killed in violent clashes at the Bangladesh Air Force Base in Cox’s Bazar on Monday. The deceased, identified as 25-year-old Shihab Kabir Nahid from Samitipara, suffered severe head injuries, confirmed Resident Medical Officer Sabuktagin Mahmud Shohel of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital. The exact cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, a group of miscreants from Samitipara launched an attack on the Air Force Base. Air Force personnel responded by firing several rounds at the protestors around 11:30 AM local time, leading to multiple injuries. The violence reportedly began after the Deputy Commissioner ordered locals to vacate the Air Force area and relocate to the Khurushkul Housing Project.

The incident is part of a wave of unrest in Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, has faced increasing lawlessness and political violence. Recently, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Mohammad Babul Mia was brutally beaten to death, and top BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu condemned the government’s failure to curb political killings.

Earlier this month, violent clashes at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) left over 100 students injured. The ongoing instability has sparked nationwide protests, with calls for Yunus to step down as attacks on civilians and minorities continue to escalate.