What's happened
On May 2, 2025, protests erupted in Tunisia against President Kais Saied, demanding the release of jailed political figures. Concurrently, in Bangladesh, the Hefazat-e-Islam group rallied against proposed legal reforms, threatening further action if their demands are not met. Both events reflect rising tensions in their respective countries.
What's behind the headline?
Tunisia's Political Climate
- The protests in Tunisia highlight widespread dissatisfaction with President Saied's regime, which many view as increasingly authoritarian.
- Activists argue that the government's actions threaten the democratic gains made since the 2011 revolution.
Bangladesh's Religious Tensions
- Hefazat-e-Islam's rally underscores the growing influence of Islamist groups in Bangladesh post-Hasina.
- The group's demands reflect a significant pushback against perceived Western influence on local laws, particularly regarding women's rights.
Implications
- Both protests signal a critical juncture for governance in Tunisia and Bangladesh, with potential for escalating unrest if demands are not addressed.
- The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the future political landscape in both nations.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Hefazat-e-Islam group rallied against legal reforms they claim contradict Sharia law, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are unmet. Mamunul Haque, a leader of the group, stated that the reforms hurt the sentiments of the majority. In contrast, The New Arab reported on the Tunisian protests, where demonstrators criticized President Saied's regime, calling it a failure and demanding the release of political prisoners. Activist Souhaieb Ferchichi emphasized the regime's clampdown on freedoms, while Al Jazeera noted the protests' historical significance, echoing slogans from the 2011 uprising. The juxtaposition of these protests illustrates the broader struggle for rights and governance in both regions.
How we got here
Tunisian protests stem from President Saied's consolidation of power since July 2021, leading to a crackdown on dissent. In Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam's rally is a response to perceived threats against Sharia law following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Go deeper
- What are the demands of the protesters in Tunisia?
- How has the political landscape changed in Bangladesh?
- What are the implications of these protests for the future?
Common question
More on these topics
-
Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, covering 163,610 square kilometres. Its northernmost point, Cape Angela, is also the northernmost point on the African continent.
-
Kais Saied is a Tunisian politician, jurist and former lecturer serving as the fifth President of Tunisia since October 2019. He was president of the Tunisian Association of Constitutional Law from 1995 to 2019.