On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh’s embattled Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, fled the country following weeks of protests that have tragically claimed numerous lives. Her departure marks a significant turning point in the nation’s history, leaving Bangladesh in a state of political uncertainty. In the interim, the military has stepped in to fill the power vacuum.
To understand the origins of this crisis and its potential consequences, insights were sought from Tazreena Sajjad, a Bangladeshi politics expert at American University’s School of International Service.
Origins of the Protests in Bangladesh
The recent protests were ignited by long-standing discontent over a quota system that reserved 56% of government positions for various groups, including 30% for the descendants of freedom fighters who fought in the 1971 War of Independence. This system became a major obstacle for the country’s youth, many of whom are unemployed and aspire to secure coveted civil service positions. The controversy was further fueled by the fact that many of these quota positions were awarded to supporters of the ruling Awami League party.
In response to a student-led movement in 2018, Prime Minister Hasina abolished the quota system. However, in June 2024, Bangladesh’s High Court ruled this abolition illegal, triggering a new wave of protests. The situation escalated in July when faculty and students at public universities staged walkouts over proposed pension reforms that would involve salary deductions.
Initially peaceful, the protests took a violent turn following an inflammatory speech by Hasina, in which she referred to the protesting students as “rajakaar,” a derogatory term used for pro-Pakistan collaborators during the War of Independence. The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the armed wing of the Awami League, responded by attacking students with tear gas and live ammunition, backed by police forces. The Rapid Action Battalion, a paramilitary group notorious for extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, was also deployed.
A viral video of the killing of a university student, Abu Sayeed, intensified public outrage, leading to further violent crackdowns. Estimates suggest that around 266 people, predominantly students, were killed, including at least 32 children. In response, the government shut down schools and universities, imposed a curfew, and restricted internet and telecommunications. Student leaders were arrested and coerced into withdrawing their demands, which only fueled the resolve of the protesters, leading to a nationwide noncooperation movement and demands for Hasina’s immediate resignation.
In defiance of the curfew, thousands of protesters gathered for a long march to Dhaka, prompting Hasina to resign and flee the country.
Broader Context of the Political Unrest
The unrest in Bangladesh cannot be viewed in isolation. While the quota protests have garnered significant attention, they are part of a broader dissatisfaction with Hasina’s government. Despite notable GDP growth under her administration, economic benefits have not been felt by much of the population. High unemployment rates among youth, soaring inflation, and a lack of opportunities have been persistent sources of discontent.
Furthermore, the Awami League, despite its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, has been plagued by scandals involving money laundering, bribery, and nepotism. Since its landslide victory in 2008, the party has eroded the democratic fabric of the country, exemplified by the 2011 abolition of the caretaker government system, which previously ensured fair elections and smooth transitions of power.
Suppression of dissent has also intensified, with increased harassment and detention of activists, opposition figures, and human rights defenders. The government has criminalized criticism, including satire and social media posts, further stifling free expression.
The Enduring Relevance of the 1971 War in Bangladeshi Politics
The 1971 War of Independence remains central to Bangladesh’s national identity and political landscape. The conflict, which originated from the 1947 partition of British India, saw East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) seeking independence from the dominance of West Pakistan. The war culminated in a genocidal conflict, with estimated deaths ranging from 500,000 to 3 million Bangladeshis.
The legacy of the war continues to influence Bangladeshi politics, with political parties, including the Awami League, often invoking their war credentials to legitimize their authority and discredit opposition.
Implications of Hasina’s Resignation
Hasina’s resignation signals the potential end of the Awami League’s dominance, at least for now. South Asian politics, including Bangladesh’s, have been heavily shaped by political dynasties. The current rejection of the Awami League, along with other established parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Jamaat-i-Islami, and the Jatiya Party, is unprecedented.
These parties will likely attempt to regroup, with the Awami League facing significant challenges in the near future given the current public sentiment. However, the situation may present an opportunity for new voices and leaders to emerge, particularly from the student movement, in the forthcoming elections.
Military’s Interim Control: A Cause for Concern?
Since its independence, Bangladesh’s military has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political trajectory, with a history of coups and periods of direct military rule. Given this context, the military’s interim control following Hasina’s departure is not unexpected.
For many Bangladeshis, the military’s involvement may offer a semblance of stability amidst the political uncertainty. However, student leaders have expressed a clear opposition to military involvement in politics. In response, General Waker-uz-Zaman, the army chief of staff, has assured protesters that the military will honor their demands. Whether the military will keep its promises and transition power to a civilian interim administration remains to be seen.
