Ahmed Yaar
In recent times, events progressed swiftly for Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh. However, it is a common occurrence when things reach a critical point, and only those who refuse to acknowledge the ground realities, often the sitting governments responsible for the chaos, remain oblivious to the situation.
The recent unrest did not just stem from the student uprising against government job quotas that paralyzed the nation, led to the deaths of hundreds of protestors, and ultimately resulted in the downfall of Hasina. It was the culmination of fifteen years of systematic corruption of democratic processes and institutions, solidifying an inflexible one-party rule. The ruling party transformed into a one-person dominion with no secondary or tertiary tiers of leadership, fostering a group of compliant associates who supported the dictator in exchange for personal wealth and power.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh differs from other developing nations that have witnessed similar turmoil. It’s important to note that the economy wasn’t the root cause of the crisis. On the contrary, Hasina was known for her economic reforms, expanding the economy, enacting productive changes, and striving to enhance women’s participation in the workforce.
Instead, the eruption was the result of repressive political disenfranchisement, serving as a quintessential lesson. During her prolonged tenure, Hasina systematically suppressed all forms of public and political discontent. She utilized every available government tool to dismantle the political opposition, to the extent that the last election was widely boycotted, resembling a farcical endorsement for a dictator who had incarcerated a substantial portion of the resistance and forced others out of the country.
Even the economic progress, which drew envy from some of Bangladesh’s neighbors, was not enough to secure Hasina’s position. This economic progress, including industrial revival, was a significant part of her legacy. However, the jubilation in her palace and on the streets should serve as a wake-up call. The people have unequivocally rejected the military intervention aimed at preventing the complete disintegration of the country, and rightfully so. This juncture is critical, as the power of the people in shaping the country’s future is now more evident than ever.
Pl subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com
Many observers may fail to recognize that Bangladesh’s political stagnation necessitates a phase during which a disciplined institution prevents further chaos, while also taking earnest steps toward a transparent, free, and fair future election. This call for a transparent, free, and fair future election is not just a call for justice and fairness, but a crucial step that cannot be delayed. Removing a dictator from power is undoubtedly a significant victory for the people, but the situation could deteriorate rapidly without this careful handling in the upcoming days, weeks, and months.
Bangladeshis are rightfully cautious about potential actions by neighboring Delhi, which has historically invested significant time and resources in influencing the country’s affairs. Hasina’s firm grip on power was bolstered by the support she received from India, evidenced by her prompt relocation across the border when her position became precarious. The longer she remains in India, the more the people of Bangladesh will recall and resent its interference in their internal matters. This caution against external interference underscores the need for Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. It’s important to note that India’s influence in Bangladesh’s politics is not necessarily negative, as it can also provide support and stability during times of crisis.
It is hoped that external actors, particularly those with considerable power and influence, avoid meddling in Bangladesh’s affairs unless it is to genuinely assist the country during this pivotal moment. Lastly, a post-Hasina Bangladesh may not necessarily align as closely with India. This shift in alignment could have significant implications for regional politics and power dynamics, potentially altering the balance of power in South Asia. It’s important for the audience to consider these potential implications when analyzing the current situation in Bangladesh.
The recent political turmoil in Bangladesh has been a result of various factors that have built up over the years. It culminated in the downfall of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh. The unrest was triggered by a student uprising against government job quotas, which led to widespread protests and the loss of hundreds of lives. However, the roots of the crisis run much deeper and can be traced back to fifteen years of systematic corruption of democratic processes and institutions, resulting in a one-party rule that was characterized by a lack of leadership tiers and widespread corruption.
It’s important to note that the economic situation in Bangladesh was not the primary cause of the crisis. In fact, Sheikh Hasina was known for her economic reforms and efforts to expand the economy, enact productive changes, and enhance women’s participation in the workforce. The turmoil stemmed from repressive political disenfranchisement, as Sheikh Hasina systematically suppressed public and political discontent, dismantled the political opposition, and held widely boycotted elections that only served to consolidate her power.
Despite her economic achievements, including industrial revival, Sheikh Hasina’s prolonged grip on power was eventually challenged by the people’s rejection of military intervention aimed at preventing the complete disintegration of the country. This rejection is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi people, and it highlights the absence of a vibrant political culture or credible political parties in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the future of the country.
Furthermore, there are concerns about potential external interference in Bangladesh’s affairs, particularly from neighboring India, which historically invested significant time and resources in influencing the country’s politics. The people of Bangladesh are cautious about external interference and emphasize the need for the country’s sovereignty and independence.
Looking ahead, the situation in Bangladesh calls for a phase of disciplined institution-building to prevent further chaos, while also paving the way for a transparent, free, and fair future election. This is crucial for ensuring justice and fairness in the country, and it’s important for the audience to understand the significance of this step in shaping Bangladesh’s political future. It is hoped that external actors, particularly those with considerable power and influence, will refrain from meddling in Bangladesh’s affairs unless it is to genuinely assist the country during this pivotal moment. The aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s downfall may also lead to a shift in Bangladesh’s alignment with India, which could have significant implications for regional politics and power dynamics.
