Sheikh Hasina resigns, Bangladesh erupt in violence A day earlier, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman announced an interim government taking over. Hasina is believed to be on her way to a city of India. Why, then, has anger against Sheikh Hasina been on the rise in Bangladesh?
Why Peoples Anger against Sheikh Hasina is Increasing:
Suppression of Dissent
Hasina’s administration has faced charges of ongoing, systematic repression of opposition voices and dissent followers. During her extended period in power detention of political opponents, repression of free media and stifling dissent became the norm.
Erosion of Democratic Norms
The critics have said that Hasina’s government eroded democratic institutional mechanisms. The elections in which she ran were typically dogged by accusations of fraud and violent intimidation.
Human Rights Violations
Hasina’s government has also been accused of numerous human rights violations like enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings.
Reservation in Jobs
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also this month introduced job quotas for the descendants of people who fought in 1971. This prompted broader unrest and enraged students protested.
Media Censorship
The Hasina government came under fire for repressing the press. Journalists and media outlets that criticized the government experienced intimidation, lawsuits or were shut down completely.
Mass Protests and Casualties:-
At least 330 people have been killed since protests started a month ago, triggered by popular anger at the civil service job quota system which prioritises children of veterans. The Demonstrations grew, that the Supreme court stepped in and reduced the 30% reservation to a mere 5%, which failed to provide any relief.
Demands and Political Changes:-
On Thursday, demonstrators called for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. She resigned and escaped to Agartala, India after 15 years of rule. The military has declared an open-ended curfew and blocked the internet in a bid to control unrest.
The rise of protests :-
Demonstrators broke into the prime minister’s home, Ganabhaban, set fire to a car inside, ransacked Parliament, stole furniture, and assaulted establishments connected to Hasina’s family and party.
Why Do Students in Bangladesh Engage in Protests?
- Bangladesh has reserved 30% of civil service and public sector positions for the descendants of those who fought for independence since the Liberation War in 1971. The father of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, instituted this quota system in 1972.
- In response to student demonstrations, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eliminated all employment reservations in October 2018. Renewing demonstrations, however, were sparked when the High Court restored the quota system in June 2024 in response to appeals by soldiers’ families from 1971.
- The contentious quota system was recently scaled back by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, which now distributes 93% of government employment on the basis of merit and reserves 7% for the relatives of veterans of the 1971 war and other groups. The demonstrations were not stopped by this ruling.
Principal Motives for the Protests
- 30% Civil Service Job Quota System
Thirty percent of employment are given to descendants of soldiers of the Bangladeshi independence struggle.
- The decision of the High Court to reinstate quotas
The demonstrations were sparked by the High Court’s decision to reintroduce quotas.
- Elevated Rate of Unemployment
In a nation of 170 million people, about 32 million youth lack employment or education.
- Deaths of Civilians
Clashes between students and the police have claimed the lives of about 100 citizens.
- What Sheikh Hasina Has to Say
During the 1971 War of Independence, Hasina referred to the demonstrators as “Razakars,” a name used to describe those who worked with the Pakistani army.
Timetable of Important Occurrences
- 1972: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the prime minister, instituted the quota system.
- October 2018: In response to student demonstrations, Sheikh Hasina decides to do away with all employment reservations.
- June 2024: Fresh demonstrations are sparked as the High Court reinstates quotas.
- The Supreme Court eliminates the quota system in July 2024 and assigns 93% of positions on the basis of merit.
- Sheikh Hasina resigns and leaves the nation on August 5, 2024.
- The Bangladeshi army declares the establishment of a provisional administration on August 5, 2024.
Will Bangladesh Be Ruled by the Army?
- The students in protest are backed by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the current chief of staff of the army. He called for calm and said that an interim administration would be established. He also promised to look into any fatalities connected to the disturbances and to punish those who caused them.
- The people was reassured by General Waker-Uz-Zaman that the military is committed to re-establishing order and coming up with a solution. He has issued an order prohibiting firing by army or police officials, and he has asked students to maintain their composure and assist the military in its efforts.
“Believe in the armed forces. We’ll look into every killing and deal with the perpetrators,” he declared. “I have ordered that no army or police personnel will engage in any kind of shooting.”
Recent Advancements: –
Sheikh Hasina is currently looking for safety in India.