The 12th Jatiya Sangsad election held on 7 January 2024 in Bangladesh, along with the period before and after the fall of the government, was marked by widespread political violence and instability. These events included movements to boycott and resist the election, protests demanding the government's resignation, and a severe deterioration of law and order afterward.

Some major aspects of this violence and instability are outlined below:

Election-Period and Pre-Election Violence (January 2024)

Protests and Boycott: The BNP and allied opposition parties boycotted the election, demanding a non-partisan caretaker government. To resist the election, they organized nationwide non-cooperation movements, blockades, and strikes.

Sabotage and Arson: During these protests, incidents of arson, cocktail explosions, and attacks on vehicles—including setting fire to trains—were reported across the country.

Candidate Clashes: On and around election day, several clashes occurred between supporters of Awami League candidates and independent candidates, resulting in casualties and allegations of vote-center occupation.

The July–August Uprising and Fall of the Government

July Killings: Violent clashes erupted in July and August surrounding the quota reform movement, involving students, protesters, and law enforcement agencies, leading to significant loss of life.

Hasina’s Resignation: On 5 August 2024, amid mass protests and public uprising, then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country, resulting in the collapse of the Awami League government.

Post-Government Violence and Chaos

Retaliatory Attacks: Following the fall of the government, attacks, vandalism, and arson targeting police stations, government offices, and homes of Awami League leaders and activists were reported across the country.

Attacks on Minority Communities: Incidents of violence against Hindus and other minority communities were reported in different parts of the country, including vandalism of businesses and places of worship. Human rights organizations strongly criticized these attacks.

Breakdown of Law and Order: Immediately after the government’s collapse, police activities were temporarily disrupted, causing a severe deterioration in public security nationwide. The interim government later faced major challenges in restoring stability.

This election and the period that followed are widely regarded as one of the most controversial chapters in Bangladesh’s political history due to the extensive loss of life, human rights violations, and destruction of property.