Bangladesh is reeling from a seismic shift in its political landscape. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who held the reins of power for 15 years, has stepped down amid violent protests and fled the capital, Dhaka, for India. Her departure marks the end of an era and plunges the country into uncertainty as demonstrators continue to clash with security forces, leading to hundreds of fatalities.
Who is Sheikh Hasina?
Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is a political figure of formidable stature. Her political journey began in tragedy; in 1975, she survived a coup that claimed the lives of her father and most of her family. Exiled in India, she returned to Bangladesh in 1981 to lead the Awami League, a political party instrumental in the country’s fight for independence.
Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996 and served until 2001. After a brief period in opposition, she reclaimed leadership in 2009. Her tenure, the longest in Bangladesh’s history, is credited with significant economic growth and infrastructural development.
However, during her years in power, she was increasingly viewed as an authoritarian figure. Critics pointed to her government’s heavy-handed tactics against opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party. The administration faced allegations of manipulating elections to ensure continued dominance, most notably in the 2014 and 2018 general elections, which were marred by claims of voter intimidation and ballot stuffing.
Under Hasina’s rule, freedom of speech and press were significantly curtailed. The Digital Security Act of 2018, widely criticized by human rights organizations, allowed for the arrest of individuals for criticizing the government online. Journalists and activists were frequently detained, and dissent was often met with violent reprisals. These actions contributed to a broader perception of democratic backsliding, where state institutions were allegedly co-opted to serve the interests of the ruling party rather than the public.
Despite these criticisms, Hasina’s government also implemented substantial developmental projects. Bangladesh saw impressive economic growth, improved infrastructure, and advances in health and education under her leadership. However, the authoritarian measures overshadowed these achievements, leading to a polarized political environment and widespread discontent.
The Catalysts of Protest
The current wave of unrest traces its origins to mid-July, when student-led protests erupted in response to a high court decision to reinstate quotas for government jobs, a system that had been abolished in 2018. The quota system reserved over half of civil service positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who fought in the 1971 liberation war. In a bid to quell public anger, the Supreme Court advised that 93% of government jobs be allocated based on merit, with the remainder reserved for ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities.
Initially, the protests saw a brief lull following the Supreme Court’s intervention. However, tensions reignited when students demanded a public apology from Sheikh Hasina for the excessive force used to quell the agitation, which had resulted in over 300 deaths. Hasina’s refusal to apologize and her inflammatory remarks, labeling protesters as “Razakars” (a term for traitors during the liberation war) and “terrorists,” further fueled the unrest. The initial focus on job quotas widened into broader anti-government demonstrations, with calls for Hasina’s resignation. The unrest reached a critical point on Sunday, resulting in violent clashes that left dozens dead, including police officers.
Hasina’s Flight and the Formation of an Interim Government
As protests intensified, reports emerged that Hasina had fled to India, seeking refuge in the northeastern city of Agartala. This development was confirmed by multiple intelligence sources, signaling a dramatic turn in the crisis.
As Bangladesh, the 8th largest country in the world by population, freed itself from an autocratic ruler, its people erupted in celebration on the streets. However, critics did not mince words. Nazma Akter, president of the Sommilito Garment Workers Federation, sharply rebuked the ousted Prime Minister, accusing her of damaging the country, its economy, and its people. The sentiment was clear: ‘Shame on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina for fleeing Dhaka.
In her absence, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the formation of an interim government. In a televised address, he vowed to restore order, investigate protest-related deaths, and seek the president’s guidance on establishing a new government.
“The country has suffered a lot, the economy has been hit, many people have been killed, it is time to stop the violence,” General Zaman stated. He urged students to return home and promised that the military and police would cease firing on protesters.
The Road Ahead: Uncertainty and Hope
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation has created a political vacuum. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, warned of potential destabilization. “If it’s a peaceful transition, with an interim setup taking over until elections are held, then stability risks would be modest and the consequences would be limited,” he said. “But if there is a violent transition or a period of uncertainty, that could risk more destabilization and problems inside and outside.”
The interim government faces formidable challenges. It must navigate the immediate crisis, ensure justice for those killed in the protests, and pave the way for fair elections. The international community, meanwhile, will be watching closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the turmoil.
Reflections on Hasina’s Legacy
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure was marked by significant achievements and controversial governance. Under her leadership, Bangladesh saw impressive economic growth, improved infrastructure, and advances in health and education. However, her administration was also criticized for stifling political opposition, manipulating elections, and using state institutions to maintain power.
Hasina’s departure offers an opportunity for reflection on her complex legacy. As Bangladesh looks to the future, the hope is that the country can emerge from this crisis stronger and more democratic. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, but it also holds the promise of renewal and reform.
End Note
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina is a watershed moment in Bangladesh’s history. As the nation grapples with the immediate aftermath, the formation of an interim government and the promise of future elections offer a glimmer of hope. The world will be watching as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture, with the hope that peace and democracy will prevail.
