ROME, Aug 23 (IPS) – A student movement in Bangladesh that wants to change the public service quota system was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The Awami League (AL) government led by Sheikh Hasina, in power continuously since 2008, fell on 5 August 2024. With Sheikh Hasina fleeing India and leaving the country in disarray, her 15-year authoritarian rule has just dissolved.
He promoted the religion of his father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led the country to independence in 1971 and was brutally assassinated on 15 August 1975. All the other heroes of the liberation war and his party were ignored. Everything important that happened in the country was due to his wisdom and foresight and was often named after him. All institutions, including schools across the country and embassies around the world were obliged to hold a “Mujib corner” to display his picture, and books only about him.
However, no political party, including the main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has succeeded in rallying Hasina’s government. This was partly due to his ability to portray AL and his government as the only provider of freedom, sovereignty and secularism. Everyone was cast as a supporter of anti-liberation militias, communal, and accused of inciting to turn the country into an Islamic center. The BNP has also been accused of committing crimes and corruption while in power. The founder of BNP is related to the brutal killing of Sheikh Mujib and his family members, and the current leader of BNP is accused of masterminding the bomb attack that was intended to kill Sheikh Hasina at the AL meeting on 21 August 2004. The attack, but killed people 24 and about 200 were injured.
Why is the student movement successful?
As with many historical events there are several factors, but the bottom line was that (i) the students were willing to die and (ii) the Soldiers showed patriotism and wisdom by refusing to kill. Students came from all walks of life, transcending class and economic backgrounds. Therefore, efforts to portray them as anti-liberal were unsuccessful. The army refused to kill to protect an oppressive ruler. The people of Bangladesh have been overthrowing dictatorial rulers.
Why the students were ready to die and the army refused to kill are important issues to be analyzed but the important question at the moment is: what is next and where do we go from here?
What’s next for Bangladesh?
The students showed support for the formation of an interim government with leading intellectuals, academics and high-liberal professionals and social actors under the leadership of Dr. Younus, founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Laureate. These people were silenced and tortured during Hasina’s 15-year rule.
However, many people remain skeptical. Many fear the breakdown of law and order and social unrest over time, which could lead to the emergence of another dictatorship. Neighboring India, which supports Hasina’s government, is concerned about the rights of minorities in Bangladesh, although they have shown little concern for India’s minorities in the past.
Political and political analysts are busy analyzing the political implications and the role of key players in mobilizing students to overthrow Hasina. This raises questions about who initiated Regime Change.
Fortunately for Bangladesh and Bangladeshis, things can only get better. None of the temporary concerns have materialized. No major breakdown of law and order or suppression of minorities has occurred, barring a few localized incidents. As for the passage of time, things can only get better: it is unlikely that another leader will come up with reasons to confirm the “moral right to rule”, disregarding political rhetoric and expressing the religion of humanity – the basic ingredients of a dictatorship.
Hasina embodied several traits that were associated with who she was. It is unlikely that another person with the same background will appear again. He started as a champion of democracy by seeking to overthrow the military regime that followed his father’s murder, then he became a justice activist by seeking justice for his father’s murder. However, in time, he became a despot and a vengeful leader. Even if the AL manages to regroup and come to power, it will be forced to adopt a pluralistic attitude and not identify with Sheikh Mujib alone. All the experts of the group must be respected, as only by seeing people who have forgotten about the elements of the group can they come back.
In terms of the wider geo-political game of the great powers, it may be important but it does not take away the fact that the majority of people agree with the change and are happy about it. It might be like getting independence in 1971. India helped Bangladesh gain independence for its geo-political purpose, but it did not diminish the taste of independence. If the desire of Bangladeshis is compatible with the purpose of others then so be it. It’s a win-win for both.
Ultimately, Bangladesh will emerge with strong basic institutional safeguards to protect democracy, such as an independent judiciary, a functioning parliamentary system with an active opposition, an active media and civil society. It will be a country that will respect the conscience of leading citizens and intellectuals and establish good governance and social justice. The economy may experience some volatility due to problems in the financial sector and the export market, but a strong agricultural sector, domestic real estate market and remittances will keep it running.
The author is a former UN official who was Head of the Asia and Pacific Policy Assistance Branch of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
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