Sunset during Ramadan in Dhaka sees a transformation — the usually bustling streets become quiet. Yet, political parties see this as a prime moment to engage, using iftar gatherings as strategic opportunities to shape new alliances and gauge political climate in the wake of last summer’s ousting of Bangladesh’s authoritarian leader, Sheikh Hasina. These events were scrutinized for who attended and who sat next to whom, indicating potential political shifts. To understand these dynamics, a specific iftar party hosted by Gono Odhikar Parishad, a party that emerged from 2018 student protests, was observed. Despite arrangements for 600, 900 attendees crowded this event, leading to logistical challenges, including the difficulty of getting them to the rooftop venue. The event highlighted divisions on the timing of future elections and tensions between Bangladesh’s military and the student-led interim government, with suspicions of behind-the-scenes deals influencing political movements. India’s stance in these political shifts was also a topic of discussion, with diplomatic engagement from New Delhi signaling a change in its relationship with Bangladesh’s political players.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/01/world/asia/bangladesh-politics.html