By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
A Surge of Protests Topples a Longtime Leader
The streets of Bangladesh have reverberated with the chant, “One, two, three, four, Sheikh Hasina is a dictator!” This slogan has become the rallying cry for the nation’s youth and a symbol of the widespread dissent against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On Monday, the mounting fury culminated in the end of her 15 year reign. Ms. Hasina, who had ruled with an iron fist since 2009, faced an unprecedented wave of protests that seemed unimaginable just a month ago.
The initial spark for the unrest was the top court's decision to scrap job quotas in early July. Although this issue was addressed, the protests morphed into a broader anti government movement demanding her resignation. The tipping point was a series of violent clashes between protesters and police, resulting in nearly 300 deaths, with Sunday being the bloodiest day as 90 people, including 13 police officers, lost their lives. Despite the escalating violence, Ms. Hasina stood her ground, but the unrelenting pressure from the masses and the military's disapproval eventually led to her downfall.
Military Influence and Political Turmoil
The military, a powerful entity in Bangladesh's political landscape, played a crucial role in Ms. Hasina's resignation. Historically, the army has ruled the country and continues to wield significant influence. The weekend's violence and the potential for further unrest prompted the military to reconsider their stance. Junior officers voiced their concerns about being ordered to fire on civilians, which likely added to the pressure on Ms. Hasina to step down.
General Waker Uz Zaman, the military chief, is now in discussions with various stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society groups, to devise an interim solution. Ms. Hasina's departure to India, a long time ally, underscores the geopolitical dimensions of her tenure. India, which has relied on Bangladesh for regional security and logistical support, faced a delicate situation as supporting an unpopular leader could have strained its long term relationship with Bangladesh. Ms. Hasina's resignation resolves this dilemma for India, potentially paving the way for a more stable and mutually beneficial future.
Sheikh Hasina's Legacy, From Democracy Icon to Autocrat
Sheikh Hasina's journey from a pro democracy icon to a perceived autocrat is a dramatic tale. The daughter of Bangladesh’s founding president, she survived a tragic military coup in 1975 that claimed most of her family. After years in exile, she returned to Bangladesh in 1981 and became a symbol of the fight for democracy. She first ascended to power in 1996 and, after a brief loss to her rival Begum Khaleda Zia, returned to office in 2009 under a caretaker government.
Her tenure, however, was marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including forced disappearances and extra judicial killings. Ms. Hasina consistently denied these charges, attributing the unrest to opposition parties. The recent protests, however, represented the most significant challenge to her authority. Despite labeling protesters as “terrorists,” the unyielding public dissent and the military's reluctance to suppress it spelled the end of her rule.
As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the nation looks towards a future shaped by the recent upheaval. The military's involvement and the political negotiations ahead will determine the country’s trajectory, while Ms. Hasina’s departure marks the close of a significant chapter in Bangladesh's history.
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