Power to the People?: Why Sheikh Hasina fled and what could happen now in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is experiencing political upheaval following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years of autocratic rule. The catalyst for this revolution were massive student-led protests, exposing deep-seated frustrations among the country's youth and broader population, eventually culminating in Hasina's exile.
The unrest began in late June when students at Dhaka University initiated protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs. This system, which reserved up to 30% of jobs for descendants of those who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, was seen by many as a way to shore up Hasina’s political base. Critics have argued that the quota system was unfair, favouring those with connections to Hasina’s ruling Awami League party, leading to nationwide protests. The situation reached a boiling point in July when the Supreme Court partially ruled in favour of the students, allocating 93% of government jobs on merit while reserving the remaining positions for veterans, ethnic minorities, disabled people and others.
However, by then the protests had already evolved beyond the single issue of job quotas, morphing into a larger critique of Hasina's rule. Under her leadership, the country had witnessed significant economic growth, but this was accompanied by high levels of unemployment, corruption, human rights abuses, and allegations of rigged elections. The students’ demands for fairness and transparency resonated with a large segment of the population, leading to nationwide civil unrest.
Hasina's response to the protests was heavy-handed. She referred to the protesters as ‘terrorists’ and ordered the police to shoot on sight, resulting in deadly clashes across the country. The government also banned the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party, its student wing, and associated organisations, blaming them for inciting the violence.
As the situation spiralled out of control, the military, which had been reluctant to intervene, finally pressured Hasina to resign. On August 5th, she fled to India, just minutes before protesters stormed her official residence in Dhaka. Her departure was met with celebration across the country, though it also sparked retaliatory violence against members of the ruling party and minorities.
In the wake of Hasina’s resignation, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old economist, has been appointed as the head of an interim government. Yunus, a longtime opponent of Hasina, is seen as a unifying figure capable of restoring stability to the country. His appointment was proposed by the student leaders who had spearheaded the protests and has been quickly accepted by the military and civil society.
Since returning to Bangladesh, Yunus has made an appeal for peace, urging people to stop retaliatory attacks and focus on rebuilding the country. He has pledged to lead Bangladesh towards a new election and has emphasised the need for calm and cooperation.
Aside from the domestic impact, Hasina's ousting as prime minister marks a setback for India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in terms of security, trade, and regional influence. India had been a key ally of Hasina and invested heavily in maintaining strong ties with the Awami League, who supported India's security interests and connectivity between the two countries. The situation has raised concerns in New Delhi about the future of India-Bangladesh relations, as well as the fate of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. In addition, the Women’s T20 World Cup, originally set to be held in Bangladesh, has now been moved to the UAE due to the unrest.
Bangladesh now faces an uncertain future. The interim government, under Yunus's leadership, is tasked with navigating the country through this turbulent period and preparing for new elections. The political landscape remains volatile, with Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, vowing that his family and the Awami League will continue to play a role in the country’s politics.
Meanwhile, many Bangladeshis have tried to flee the country, and major airlines have suspended flights to Dhaka. The situation remains tense, with fears of further violence and instability. The uprising in Bangladesh hasn’t only toppled a long-standing leader, but has also signalled a broader demand for change in a country grappling with economic challenges and political discontent. As the country moves forward, the international community is closely watching developments, concerned about the implications for regional stability.