Turbulence in Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis
Shabir Ahmad Paswal
Historical Context
The political landscape of Bangladesh has long been marred by a legacy of hereditary rule and military intervention. Since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation’s founding father, in 1975, his daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajid, and her political adversary, Khaleda Zia, have dominated Bangladeshi politics. Sheikh Hasina leads the Awami League, while Khaleda Zia heads the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). The rivalry between these two leaders has significantly shaped the country’s political dynamics.
A Legacy of Political Turmoil
Khaleda Zia’s last tenure as Prime Minister ended abruptly in 2007 when a military-backed caretaker government took control, citing widespread corruption and political instability. This interim government imposed martial law and organized elections in 2009, resulting in a victory for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League. Since then, Sheikh Hasina has maintained a tight grip on power, and Khaleda Zia has faced numerous legal challenges, culminating in her conviction on corruption charges. Although sentenced to seventeen years in prison, Khaleda Zia has been under house arrest since 2019 due to health concerns, a term extended multiple times.
The Military’s Pervasive Influence
The military has played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s political history, having imposed martial law three times (1975, 1982, and 2007) and attempting to overthrow elected governments on several occasions. Sheikh Hasina has managed to keep the military in check by economically strengthening the state and rewarding military officials with various privileges. Additionally, the salaries of government employees have been significantly increased under her administration, making government jobs highly coveted.
Quotas and Corruption: Catalysts for Unrest
Despite economic improvements, the allocation of government jobs has been a persistent source of public discontent. Approximately one-third of these positions are reserved for certain groups, including military families and the descendants of independence war heroes. This quota system has sparked widespread resentment, particularly among students and young professionals who view it as discriminatory and antithetical to meritocracy.
The Spark: Student Protests and Government Crackdown
Fifteen days ago, student organizations began protesting against the quota system, presenting a list of nine demands. The government’s initial response was forceful, with police using batons and tear gas, resulting in several fatalities. The situation escalated when Sheikh Hasina made a controversial televised statement, comparing the protesting students to collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 independence war, labelling them as state enemies. This incendiary rhetoric further inflamed the situation, leading to nationwide protests.
Escalation and Military Intervention
The government’s subsequent crackdown on the protests involved nationwide curfews, and internet blackouts, and aggressive military intervention, which resulted in the deaths of three hundred students and thousands of injuries. Amidst this chaos, the organization of retired military officers publicly called for active-duty soldiers to refrain from acting against the students, expressing their support for the protesters’ demands.
The Fall of Sheikh Hasina
Faced with mounting pressure, the military forced Sheikh Hasina to resign. She was flown to India, where she is currently a guest of the state. Martial law has once again been imposed in Bangladesh, leaving the future of its democracy uncertain. The public’s storming of the Prime Minister’s House and the toppling of Sheikh Mujib’s statue underscore the deep-seated frustration and desperation among the populace.
Uncertain Future
The immediate future of Bangladesh remains unclear. Whether the military will establish a new form of governance, form an interim government, or eventually hold elections is yet to be seen. The student organizations have welcomed the military’s intervention, but whether their demands will be met remains uncertain. This critical juncture in Bangladesh’s history highlights the profound challenges facing the nation as it grapples with issues of governance, military influence, and public discontent.
The events in Bangladesh over the past twenty days have brought to the forefront the longstanding issues of political instability, military intervention, and public dissatisfaction. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the imposition of martial law mark a significant turning point in the nation’s history. As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the resilience and demands of its citizens will play a crucial role in shaping its future. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of democracy in the face of deep-rooted systemic challenges.
