Jamaat unleashes violence, threatens to ban partner Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Acrimony is intensifying between the anti-Sheikh Hasina forces in Bangladesh, with Jamaat-e-Islami threatening to ban its long-time ally Bangladesh Nationalist Party in a move to usher in a regime of Islamists in the country. Jamaat student wing, Chhatrashibir, infamous for its violent strategy, clashed with BNP student wing over the weekend in a rare development.

There appears to be an orchestrated attempt by Jamaat to target BNP and demand a ban on BNP and take over the reins of the country, sources said. Over the past few days, BNP student wing members and leaders have reportedly been ousted from the Dhaka University hostels and colleges. "This may be part of 'meticulous' planning. First, let BNP goons go on a rampage, unleashing mayhem across the country, allow an anarchic situation on the streets, resulting in widespread revulsion and simmering anger against BNP, then orchestrate a gruesome incident and ban BNP," a source said.

BNP has demanded an early election much to the displeasure of Jamaat, interim government chief adviser Md Yunus and the newly-formed students' party. Jamaat has been focusing on its own political agenda, which sometimes conflicts with BNP's goals.