Bangladesh, Aug. 25 -- Britains asylum system has once again become a flashpoint for unrest, as nationwide protests and counterprotests at the weekend underscored the countrys deep divisions over migration, governance, and public trust in institutions. What began as a series of planned demonstrations by the anti-immigration movement quickly escalated into confrontations, arrests, and renewed scrutiny of a government struggling to manage a record surge in asylum applications.

Rallies organized under the banner “Abolish Asylum System” were held in cities and towns across the United Kingdom, including Bristol, Liverpool, London, Mold, Perth, and County Antrim. The movement, emboldened by a recent High Court ruling and newly publ...