International Desk:
Dhaka, June 22, 2025 – In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s already volatile political landscape, former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda was detained by police on Sunday after a public assault and humiliation orchestrated by activists of the Dhaka North City unit of the Volunteer Wing. The incident, now dubbed “Dhakagate” by international observers, has raised serious concerns about the state of law and order in Bangladesh, further exposing the country’s deepening political crisis.
The episode unfolded in Dhaka’s upscale Uttara neighborhood, where Volunteer Wing activists apprehended Huda, a prominent figure who served as CEC from 2017 to 2022. According to eyewitnesses and viral social media footage, Huda was physically assaulted and subjected to a degrading act of public shaming when a garland of shoes—a profound insult in Bangladeshi culture—was placed around his neck. The incident was recorded and widely shared across platforms, triggering outrage and intensifying debates about the erosion of democratic norms and rule of law in the country.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) Uttara Division, Md. Mahidul Islam, confirmed the detention, stating, “The Volunteer Wing activists detained Nurul Huda and handed him over to our custody.” However, Islam offered no clarity on the reasons for the detention, leaving room for speculation about political motivations behind the act. Huda remains in police custody, with no official statement yet released by authorities regarding the assault or the circumstances of his detention.
KM Nurul Huda, a respected freedom fighter in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and a retired government secretary, oversaw the controversial 11th national election in 2018, which was marred by widespread allegations of voter fraud and irregularities. The election remains a lightning rod for political tensions, with the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently announcing plans to pursue legal action against Huda and other former CECs for their roles in the disputed polls. Analysts suggest that Huda’s detention may be linked to this ongoing political vendetta, though the public nature of his humiliation has raised questions about extrajudicial tactics and mob justice.
The viral video of Huda’s assault has sparked global condemnation, with human rights organizations and foreign diplomats expressing alarm over what many describe as an “unconstitutional” and “socially shameful” act. “This incident is a glaring violation of due process and a dangerous precedent for mob-driven retribution,” said a spokesperson for an international human rights watchdog, calling for an independent investigation. The footage has also fueled accusations that Bangladesh’s law enforcement and judicial systems are failing to uphold basic civil liberties, further destabilizing public trust in state institutions.
The detention comes amid heightened political unrest in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government faces mounting criticism for alleged authoritarianism and suppression of dissent. Critics argue that Huda’s treatment reflects a broader campaign to silence or intimidate figures associated with controversial elections, while supporters of the ruling Awami League claim the detention may be part of efforts to address electoral malpractices. The lack of transparency from authorities has only deepened the divide, with political factions trading accusations of complicity and vengeance.
Social media platforms have been ablaze with reactions, as hashtags like #Dhakagate and #JusticeForHuda trend worldwide. The incident has dominated political discourse in Bangladesh, with civil society groups and opposition leaders condemning the assault as a symptom of a crumbling democratic framework. “This is not justice; it’s anarchy,” said a senior BNP official, who called for international scrutiny of the incident. Meanwhile, some pro-government voices have sought to justify the activists’ actions, framing Huda as a symbol of electoral corruption.
As Bangladesh grapples with this unprecedented scandal, “Dhakagate” has cast a harsh spotlight on the fragility of its democratic institutions and the growing specter of political violence. International observers warn that such incidents risk plunging the nation into further chaos, with long-term implications for governance, human rights, and regional stability.
