Nazma Akter, president of the Sommilito Garment Workers Federation, says “shame” on Hasina for fleeing Dhaka. She “killed our country, killed our economy and killed our people”, Akter charged in an interview with Al Jazeera.“She doesn’t love the country, she took advantage and she misused her power, and that is very unfortunate,” Akter said.
Protests across Bangladesh resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. The Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo reported at least 95 deaths, including 14 police officers, on Sunday, while Channel 24 cited at least 85 deaths. According to Reuters, this marks the highest death toll in a single day from recent protests in Bangladesh’s history, on August 5. The total deaths during the student protests in July and August exceeded 300.
Local media reports suggest that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country. Thousands have gathered at her official residence, and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman is holding talks with political parties, including the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to resolve the crisis. He has urged protesters to remain calm and return home.
Recent events have marked a critical turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly challenging the longstanding influence and governance of the Awami League. Historically, the Awami League, initially led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, faced criticism for its controversial role in the ‘1971 Liberation War’ and subsequent political decisions. This legacy, continued by Sheikh Mujib’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, increasingly faced opposition as her administration failed to address long-standing grievances and societal demands.
A pivotal factor in the recent upheaval was the controversial 30 percent quota system implemented by the Awami League for government jobs, which many perceived as undermining merit-based selection. This policy ignited widespread discontent among students who were denied opportunities despite their qualifications. Their protests against this quota system transformed into a broader movement against perceived injustices and corruption within Hasina’s government. The protests were met with brutal crackdowns, with many students suffering violence and even death at the hands of authorities.
The determination and resilience of these students ultimately led to significant political shifts. Their movement gained momentum and public support, effectively challenging the entrenched power structures and exposing the weaknesses of Hasina’s administration. The widespread protests and unrest culminated in Hasina fleeing the country, dramatically underscoring the government’s waning influence and the people’s demand for change. Statues of Sheikh Mujib being dismantled during these protests symbolized a questioning of the Awami League’s historical narrative and legitimacy.
This upheaval reflects not only current discontent but also longstanding historical grievances rooted in the partition of India in 1947 and subsequent political dynamics in the region. The Kashmir region remains unsettled, Junagarh and Deccan experienced genocide, and Pakistan was dismembered in 1971 in a bloody manner due to the unfair division of land and resources. The dream of Bengalis has not been realized, as East and West Bengal are still not united. Bengalis remain divided, and Sikh communities continue to face targeted killings.
It serves as a potent reminder that when leaders fail to address the genuine needs and aspirations of their people, they risk losing their legitimacy. The students’ victory underscores the power of collective action in challenging systemic injustices and achieving meaningful reform, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle for democracy and justice.
Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s tenure as Prime Minister of Bangladesh was marked by a heavy reliance on India, often at the expense of engaging with domestic voices and addressing internal concerns. This reliance, coupled with her governance style, drew significant criticism from various quarters. Driven by a desire for revenge, Hasina was accused of mistreating her political opponents and often resorting to undemocratic means to maintain power. Her administration faced allegations of conducting rigged elections, undermining the voices of Muslim conservatives, and sidelining those who disagreed with her policies. This approach led to widespread discontent, contributing to the erosion of her government’s legitimacy and sparking mass protests across the country. Ultimately, these factors culminated in a political crisis that saw her reportedly fleeing the country, leaving behind a legacy of deep political and social divisions.
The author, Atta Rasool Malik, a veteran from Pakistan’s semi-tribal regions, possesses an M.Phil. in international relations from the National Defence University, Islamabad. His expertise spans South Asian and Middle Eastern politics, political economy, and Islamic and Jewish theology