Khalid Masood Khan
The situation in Bangladesh has escalated dramatically as anti-government protests have turned into a widespread movement to unseat Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Spiralling clashes between the police and protesters resulted in at least 90 deaths, with peaceful student demonstrations evolving into a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience. The protests intensified despite the government cutting off mobile internet access across the country. In a powerful display of unity, hundreds of thousands of protesters, united in their cause, gathered in the streets, calling for a march on the prime minister’s official residence in Dhaka, prompting the police to set up roadblocks to prevent further access to the city. However, the united front of demonstrators managed to slip past the security cordon to join the protests.
Prime Minister Hasina has defiantly labelled the demonstrators as ‘terrorists’ seeking to destabilize the nation, but analysts believe that the scale of public anger makes it unlikely for her ruling party to remain in power. The situation has been exacerbated by the government’s response to initially peaceful demonstrations, which led to a brutal crackdown by security forces, including reports of indiscriminate firing on unarmed protesters, and the imposition of a nationwide curfew and internet blackout. Subsequent arrests and the resumption of internet connectivity resulted in widespread dissemination of footage depicting violence, prompting protesters to escalate their demands.
The protests have been fueled by outrage over the killing of children during the demonstrations and widespread alleged corruption. Despite calls from the U.N.’s human rights chief and ongoing unrest across the country, the broad swath of society continues to take to the streets, including a substantial female contingent in what remains a largely conservative and patriarchal Muslim society. The unrest has given rise to a people’s uprising, challenging the fear-based rule that has characterized Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, which is often criticized for its authoritarian tendencies and suppression of dissent.
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The potential resolution of the crisis in Bangladesh may hinge on the role of the military, as conflicting statements from military figures and reports of clashes within the security forces add an additional layer of complexity to the situation. The protests have not only led to the closure of all universities across the country and deep distrust of government institutions and state-aligned media but also raised concerns in the international community about the stability of the region.
As Bangladesh navigates through this tumultuous period, it is crucial that sincere and committed reconciliation efforts are undertaken. These efforts hold the potential to pave the way for a peaceful resolution and a brighter future for the country, preventing further descent into chaos and instability.
Critical Analysis:
The chant “One, two, three, four, Sheikh Hasina is a dictator!” rang through the streets of Bangladesh, marking the culmination of weeks of escalating protests that ultimately led to the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. The 76-year-old leader had wielded authority with a firm grip since 2009, and as little as a month ago, the idea of demanding her resignation seemed inconceivable. However, the ongoing protests, initially sparked by the top court’s decision to revoke job quotas in early July, evolved into a widespread anti-government movement calling for her removal from power.
The turning point came with the intensified clashes between protesters and police on a particularly violent Sunday, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths since the start of the unrest. Despite the mounting casualties, Ms. Hasina remained steadfast in her position. Yet, on Monday, tens of thousands of Bangladeshis poured onto the streets, defying a nationwide curfew and signalling a seismic shift from a political movement to a full-fledged mass uprising.
Ms Hasina’s decision to flee was influenced by mounting pressure from the military, a highly respected and influential entity in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The potential implications of facing continuous massive protests and concerns raised by junior military officers about firing on civilians prompted the military to reconsider its stance. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the military chief, is reportedly engaging with various stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society groups, to explore interim solutions in the wake of Ms Hasina’s departure.
The protests, which initially mobilized students, have now transcended their origins to encompass a broader movement. Ms. Hasina’s choice to flee to India underscores the significance of the relationship between the two countries. Despite being a key ally of India, Ms Hasina’s declining popularity has led to growing anti-India sentiments within Bangladesh. Her resignation has resolved a dilemma for Delhi, alleviating the risk of alienating a mass movement and safeguarding its long-term relationship with Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s political trajectory has been significant, tracing her roots to her father, Bangladesh’s founding president. Since her first election to power in 1996, she has faced accusations of forced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and suppressing opposition figures. While denying these charges, her government often attributed the unrest to the main opposition parties. However, the recent wave of protests presented an unparalleled challenge to Ms Hasina’s leadership, culminating in her reluctance to yield and even labelling the protesters as “terrorists.” Despite her resolve, the inability of the security establishment to quell the public uprising foreshadows the precarious position of embattled leaders in situations of widespread unrest.
Hence, the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid has brought significant attention to the need for democracy in Bangladesh. After her departure from power, there is an opportunity for the country to transition into a democratic system that upholds the rights and voices of its citizens.
First and foremost, democracy ensures that the government is accountable to the people. In a democratic system, leaders are elected by the populace, and they are responsible for serving the interests of the public. This accountability helps in curbing corruption, promoting transparency, and establishing a system where leaders are answerable to the citizens.
Moreover, democracy encourages the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It provides a framework for the safeguarding of individual liberties, freedom of expression, and the right to participate in decision-making processes. By embracing democracy, Bangladesh can work towards creating an inclusive society where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected.
Additionally, democracy fosters economic growth and stability. Through democratic governance, there is a greater likelihood of creating an environment conducive to business and investment. This leads to economic development and prosperity for the country as a whole.
Furthermore, democracy promotes social cohesion and unity. By allowing diverse voices to be heard and represented, it enables the integration of different perspectives and encourages peaceful resolution of conflicts. In a democratic Bangladesh, there is potential for a society that respects diversity and works towards social harmony.
Lastly, democracy enhances Bangladesh’s standing in the international community. Embracing democratic principles and practices can elevate the country’s reputation on the global stage, fostering better diplomatic relationships and partnerships with other nations.
Concludingly, the ouster of Sheikh Hasina Wajid presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to embrace democracy, which can lead to a more accountable, inclusive, and prosperous society. By transitioning to a democratic system, Bangladesh can lay the foundation for a brighter and more equitable future for its citizens.
