Mohsin Yar

Amid increasing protests led by students and growing unrest, the long-standing Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, was forced to step down and leave the country, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with her government.

The turmoil, which involved violent clashes and nearly 300 deaths, resulted in a nationwide curfew and her departure from the country via a military helicopter. The chaotic situation continued with more violence and at least 20 additional deaths on the day of her resignation. However, amidst this turmoil, the resilience of the Bangladeshi people shone through, inspiring hope for the future.

In the aftermath, the military established an interim government, with General Waker-Uz-Zaman promising to restore order and pursue justice.

As Bangladesh navigates this crucial transitional period, the interim administration faces the significant challenge of promoting stability, upholding human rights, and rebuilding public trust. However, this period also presents an opportunity for positive change and genuine democratic reform, offering hope for a brighter future.

Throughout recent history, several countries have experienced significant upheaval, with leaders being deposed or forced to flee due to widespread protests and revolutions. In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak (1928-2022) was ousted from power in 2011 during the Egyptian Revolution (the Arab Spring) and subsequently faced arrest and trial. In Tunisia, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (1936-2019) fled to Saudi Arabia amid the 2011 Arab Spring protests.

Libya’s Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942-2011) lost his life during a civil war sparked by protests and armed rebellion. Yemen’s President Ali Abdullah Saleh (1942-2017) resigned and went into exile in Saudi Arabia in 2012 following extensive protests and uprisings.

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi was detained at her home after a 2021 military coup. In Sri Lanka, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country in 2022 due to widespread protests against his administration, and now, in 2024, Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina had to leave amid intense student-led protests and escalating violence.

Despite many dramatic changes in leadership, the aftermath often fails to bring about substantial improvements for the countries involved.

The so-called revolutions and regime changes frequently lead to continued instability, economic decline, and persistent unrest. For instance, Egypt and Tunisia grappled with ongoing economic challenges and political instability following their respective uprisings.

Similarly, Libya and Yemen descended into prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises. Myanmar remains under military control with severe international condemnation, while Sri Lanka then and Bangladesh now also face significant economic and social strains.

The changes at the top do not always translate into better governance or improved conditions for the populace, highlighting a recurring pattern where shifts in leadership do not necessarily lead to positive transformations or economic recovery/prosperity.

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If we look at Sheikh Hasina’s achievements, Bangladesh saw impressive economic progress, characterized by significant GDP growth and a notable shift in economic status. When she first took office in 1996, Bangladesh was classified as a low-income country, but during her tenure, the country transitioned into a lower-middle-income status by early 2020.

During this period, Bangladesh experienced consistent and robust economic growth, with GDP expanding at an average annual rate of around 6-7%, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Per capita income also saw a substantial increase, reflecting improved living standards for many Bangladeshis.

Key to the economic transformation under Hasina were major infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge and the Dhaka Metro Rail, which significantly improved connectivity and supported economic efficiency. The government’s focus on digitalization, through initiatives like Digital Bangladesh, further accelerated economic progress by improving access to technology and fostering a digital economy.

Social programs aimed at poverty reduction, healthcare expansion, and educational reforms contributed to inclusive growth, while targeted efforts to eradicate extreme poverty improved the living conditions of the country’s poorest.

Despite these economic advancements, challenges remained, including the Rohingya refugee crisis and ongoing issues in public health.

However, Bangladesh gained enhanced global standing and improved international relations under Hasina’s rule, showcasing the country’s growing influence and stability in the world. These achievements underscored a period of considerable economic progress and development, although the forced resignation of the leadership marked a dramatic end to this era of transformation.

In addition to her accomplishments, Hasina was also known for practising authoritarianism, particularly in suppressing political opposition. Harassment and imprisonment of key opponents like Khaleda Zia, with charges often perceived as politically motivated, were common. Election processes faced allegations of manipulation, raising concerns about their legitimacy and fairness.

Human rights violations were also a major issue, including reports of police brutality against protesters and the use of excessive force to quell dissent. Extrajudicial killings and disappearances of activists and perceived opponents further exacerbated these concerns.

Judicial manipulation was also a notable concern under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, with accusations of abusing the judiciary to target rivals through biased rulings and unfair trials. The use of capital punishment in politically charged cases raised serious questions about due process of law. Press freedom was curtailed, with media outlets facing censorship and journalists critical of the government experiencing harassment. The government controlled the flow of information, including shutting down internet access during critical times.

Corruption allegations against Sheikh Hasina included the misuse of public funds, especially in large infrastructure projects, and accusations of nepotism and favouritism in government appointments. While providing refuge, the handling of the Rohingya refugee crisis attracted criticism for its management and impact on local resources.

Civil society movements in Bangladesh advocating democratic reforms were violently repressed, and reports of state oppression and intimidation during elections hindered free participation in the democratic process. These factors overshadowed all her achievements and eventually forced her to leave the office as well as the country.

The violent looting of Sheikh Hasina’s residence and clashes with law enforcement exposed the deep-seated unrest and lack of respect for legal institutions in Bangladesh. Despite Hasina’s departure, the country’s fate now rests with the army, raising concerns about a return to military dominance rather than genuine democratic transition and progress.

The interim government faces immense challenges, including restoring public trust, addressing significant economic losses, and managing ongoing instability. The task ahead includes not only stabilizing the nation but also demonstrating that the new leadership possesses the experience and commitment to guide Bangladesh towards a better democratic and stable future.

In contrast to the situation in Pakistan, Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), suggested that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should learn from Sheikh Hasina’s exit strategy. This highlights the importance of learning from past mistakes and engaging in the political process to ensure a better future for the country.

While PTI advocates for change and rejects negotiation with politicians, it overlooks that Pakistan is currently under a hybrid system similar to Imran Khan’s tenure. Removing Shehbaz Sharif would not resolve the issues as the army’s control continues to decide the country’s ultimate direction in any unrest.

Pakistan needs the strengthening of democratic transformation and a culture of tolerance rather than any meaningless, ill-directed pseudo-revolution. A serious effort to transform the country on the part of PTI, respecting the mandate of the people, would be to engage with other political parties, resolve issues through dialogue, and commit to strengthening democracy. Leaders must pledge to support the legitimately elected parliament and prime minister, avoiding undemocratic actions.

Past instances, like the support of Nawaz Sharif for Raja Pervez Ashraf during the Awami Tehreek protest led by Tahirul Qadri, and the backing of the Pakistan People’s Party for the prime minister during PTI’s 126-day protest, exemplify how political cooperation can stabilize democratic governance. For democracy to thrive, PTI must adopt a democratic mindset and collaborate with all political parties.

This is the only way to strengthen democracy and steer the country onto a positive economic path. On the contrary, so-called revolutions that humiliate, punish, or depose and kill elected leaders often culminate in negative outcomes, as proved by recent experiences in Egypt.