The ouster of Sheikh Hasina did not happen simply by so-called youth protest and massive violence.
Internal reports by various agencies (including within Bangladesh) and a few privately-operated international organisations and research panels reveal that a "coalition" was built based on an extensive network, integrating youth leaders from various ideological backgrounds and placing 150 key operatives in governmental and private institutions.
Some information and anecdotes were later reportedly collaborated by Awami League functionaries as well.
Prominent figures in the big games included Md. Tariqul Islam Bhuiyan (Tarek Chayan), who is in Bangladesh Mission in Kolkata and is a trusted associate of Muhammad Yunus.
A few retired army officers joined under Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan’s leadership, including Captain Nasir (66 BMA Long Course, Facebook alias Shuvo Afridi).
The bigger intent was not only ouster of Hasina. Even tasking Yunus to lead an interim arrangement was only a temporary plan.
The chief 'mission' was to help BNP of Khaleeda Zia.
So, all that happened in 2024 in Bangladesh presumably also blessed by America's 'deep state' was to help the BNP regain power.
After the 2014 elections, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) devised a strategic plan to reclaim power, with Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, at its core. Assisted by M Naser Rahman, son of former Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman, the BNP orchestrated a multi-layered approach that leveraged youth activism, social movements, and international networks.
They went step by step. --- Phase 1 focused on Building an Ideological and Structural Base
Tarique Rahman is son of former Bangladesh PM Begum Khaleda Zia and was on 16-year-long political exile in London.
The BNP’s early efforts focused on research and understanding public sentiment.
In late 2018, a pivotal research paper, "Under the Leadership of Asif Saleh, the Youth of Bangladesh and the Agents of Change?" was published.
This study explored Youth of Bangladesh to work as Agents of Change.
Few soft spots were identified too.
1. Religious education and self-identity
2. Internet and social media influence
3. Freedom of choice and gender inequality
4. Youth assessment of law and order
5. Political engagement and national planning
6. Social mobility and economic challenges
7. Polarization and emerging political optimism
This research became a foundation for shaping a youth-driven movement, particularly targeting dissatisfaction with governance and economic disparities.
Tarique Rahman discussed the findings with influential circles, paving the way for strategic alliances.
Then came the Phase 2 -- Seeking to Strengthen Alliances and Mobilizing Forces
By 2019, Tarique Rahman reportedly involved a prominent ideologue to craft narratives that resonated with the public.
Simultaneously, an over estimated individual called Muhammad Yunus engaged with former Army Chiefs Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan and Nuruddin Khan.
The international allies were worked on.
Rahman made his intent clear once he decided to return home with his quite well read and shared message:
“Let us unite to end political vengeance and open a new chapter in history where no one’s life or family will be destroyed because of political differences".
The operational framework was handed over to the Yunus Center, enlisting key figures such as photojournalist Shahidul Alam and writer-activist Farhad Mazhar. Under Mazhar’s guidance, a faction of radical fundamentalist leaders emerged, incorporating elements from various extremist groups, including:
Mahfuz and Nahid (Radical fundamentalist), Sarjis (Hizb ut-Tahrir affiliate) and Hasnat and Sajeeb Bhuiyan (Shibir activists)
Under Phase 3; the works involved -- Exploiting Social Movements for Political Gain
To galvanize mass support, BNP needed a polarizing issue.
The quota system for children of Liberation War veterans became a focal point to rally youth discontent.
"By infiltrating and influencing the 2018 quota reform movement, the BNP strategically positioned itself as a champion of youth concerns," says an Awami league insider.
Things were planned and executed well with foreign funding.
Thus Key Elements of the Movement were --
Strategic Messaging: Framing the movement as a youth-driven demand for justice.
Broad-based Mobilization: Involvement of Jamaat-Shibir, Hizb ut-Tahrir, madrasa students, Chhatra Dal, and liberal activists.
Media and Social Media Influence
Subsequently, it is learned that Shahidul Alam’s network amplified the narrative.
False information was disseminated internationally to garner sympathy.
Misinformation spread on YouTube.
One 'Earki Facebook group' allegedly supported by 'deep state' played a crucial role in meme-driven political criticism.
Rival ladies
The movement’s momentum peaked with violent clashes in July 2024, escalating further with coordinated digital propaganda.
In the next stage, Violence intensified after the killing of Abu Sayeed, a Shibir activist, during clashes in Rangpur on July 16, 2024.
Tarique Rahman then called for a nationwide blackout in support of the movement, followed by an orchestrated incident on July 18, where protesters staged the death of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho in Dhaka.
The Awami League government responded by banning Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir on August 1, 2024.
In retaliation, opposition forces pivoted to spreading misinformation about student arrests. The involvement of ad agencies, particularly Asiatic Society, amplified the propaganda.
By August 4, 2024, nationwide clashes escalated, culminating in mass riots from August 5 to August 20.
The strategy focused on instilling fear through targeted violence against law enforcement agencies, reinforcing the perception of an unstable government. However, the state’s decisive crackdown and exposure of BNP’s orchestrations neutralized the uprising.
What about International Influence and Economic Disruptions
Reportedly, even Economic sanctions were subtly encouraged to weaken the government’s financial stability.
Additionally, BNP-aligned groups infiltrated key economic sectors, disrupting supply chains and creating artificial inflation to generate public dissatisfaction.
Strategic alliances with business tycoons, such as Mohammad Junaid (Chairman of Infinity, Lubnan, and Richman), ensured financial backing for these operations, Awami League sources claim.
Exiled BNP leaders coordinated efforts from abroad, particularly through online platforms.
Final words:
The BNP’s plan to regain power was a complex mix of ideological solidarity, strategic alliances, digital manipulation, and violent street protests.
They exploited youth discontent and media narratives to destabilize the entire system of governance.
The involvement of international actors, cyber warfare, and economic disruption highlight the evolving nature of modern political conflict.
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