Political upheaval in Bangladesh

Source: The post political upheaval in Bangladesh has been created, based on the article “Hasina’s exit and India’s hour of reckoning” published in “The Hindu” on 19th August 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context: The article discusses a major political upheaval in Bangladesh in August 2024. It started as a student protest against a job quota system and escalated into a nationwide movement, leading to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

For detailed information on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations read Article 1, Article 2

How did the protests escalate in Bangladesh?

1. In June 2024, Bangladesh’s High Court reinstated a job quota reserving 30% of civil service posts for descendants of freedom fighters.
2. This decision ignited protests, mainly led by students, who felt the quota was unfair. The protests began peacefully but quickly escalated.
3. By July 7, students were staging blockades, severely disrupting Dhaka’s transport system.
4. Tensions rose on July 14 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a controversial statement, calling protesters “children of Razakars,” which further inflamed the situation.

What was the government’s response?

1. The government initially aligned with the protesters’ demand for quota reform and was preparing to appeal the court’s decision restoring the quota system.
2. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s derogatory statement on July 14 and the Bangladesh Chhatra League’s actions against protesters further escalated the situation.
3. The government shut down the internet to disrupt protester communication, leading to further unrest.
4. On July 18, clashes between police and protesters resulted in about 20 student deaths.
5. Despite reducing the quota from 30% to 7% on July 21, the government’s coercive tactics, including arrests and the disappearance of protest leaders, failed to quell the movement, which ultimately led to Hasina’s ouster.

What was India’s role and response?

1. India’s response, as articulated by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, appeared to downplay the democratic nature of the protests, aligning more with the Awami League’s narrative.
2. This stance faced criticism for overlooking the genuine grievances of the protesters and the human rights violations reported.

What are the implications for Bangladesh’s future?

1. Political Stability: The ouster of Sheikh Hasina after 15 years of rule signals potential instability. The interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, must manage this transition carefully.
2. Governance and Democracy: The movement highlighted deep-seated issues like authoritarian rule and lack of participative democracy. A free, fair, and participative election is now critical for restoring public trust.
3. Social Unity: The protests, supported by diverse social groups, underline the need for inclusive governance. Attacks on minorities were met with public vigilance, showcasing Bangladesh’s potential for unity amid diversity.
4. India-Bangladesh Relations: India’s perceived alignment with Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League could strain relations. Moving forward, India must engage more broadly with Bangladesh’s population.

Question for practice:

Examine the role of India’s response in the context of the political upheaval in Bangladesh during August 2024