What is happening in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is experiencing one of the most serious political and social crises in its recent history. The protests began as a demonstration against the quota system for access to government jobs. But then they transformed into a mass movement against Sheikh Hasina’s government. Violence is skyrocketing and tension has reached a peak. Now we have reached the prime minister’s flight to India and the establishment of a temporary military government to restore order. Let’s look at the situation in detail.

Historical background of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a young nation: born in 1971 after a war of independence against Pakistan, it currently has a political system of a parliamentary nature. However, the nation has gone through many periods of political instability, alternating between civilian governments and military regimes. Sheikh Hasina, leader of the Awami League, first came to power in 1996. The Awami League is a political party oriented towards progressivism and democratic socialism, with a focus on economic development and social justice (at least in theory). The party has dominated Bangladeshi politics for much of the past two decades. It must be said that power was maintained even after controversial electoral victories, with accusations of electoral manipulation​.

How the protests began: the quota system

But there is one element that gave rise to the protests: it is the controversial quota system. We are talking, in short, about a system that reserves a significant percentage of government jobs for certain social groups, leaving others (such as the country’s many young graduates) without opportunities. But why?

The quota system in Bangladesh is a mechanism that immediately puts the population on alarm . The government tried to calm things down, arguing that the aim was to improve inclusion and ensure historically disadvantaged groups had access to employment and education opportunities. The proposed idea was therefore to help ethnic minorities, women and children of war veterans.

While supporters say quotas are essential to correcting historical inequalities and promoting inclusion, opponents believe the system has become obsolete and unfairly penalizes deserving candidates not from groups benefiting from reservations.

The spread of the protests

This gave rise to a series of demonstrations across the country. Demonstrations, led mainly by students, erupted across the nation and quickly turned into violent clashes with law enforcement. The toll of the escalation is tragic: over 440 deaths in total and hundreds injured. The violence has intensified in Dhaka, the capital, where the situation is particularly critical. Authorities even imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended internet access in an attempt to contain the protests. The streets of Dhaka have been described as a veritable battlefield, with stick-wielding protesters clashing with police and security forces.

In Dhaka, two young people were killed in Munshiganj district, one shot in the head and the other wounded by gunfire. In the north of the country, in Kishioreganj, two people died after protesters set fire to a ruling party headquarters.

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Containment measures and arrests

The authorities reacted harshly to try to restore order. A curfew was imposed starting from 18:00 local time, while the Internet suspension was implemented again to hinder the organization of demonstrations. This measure was taken for the second time in three weeks due to the renewed cycle of violence.

In addition to the numerous deaths and injuries, there have been massive arrests of protesters across the country. The protests have attracted the attention of former military personnel, activists and public figures, who have expressed their support for the movement. Indeed, some former army leaders have called for the withdrawal of troops from the streets and an end to the violence.

The squares of Dhaka and other cities are now the scene of continuous clashes between protesters and government supporters, with law enforcement barely trying to manage an increasingly out-of-control situation.

But the problem is broader and concerns Hasina’s entire government

Discontent with Sheikh Hasina’s government is not new. During her tenure, Hasina faced numerous criticisms for her authoritarian management of power. Accusations of corruption, the erosion of democracy and the repression of opposition have fueled growing resentment. There is another very interesting aspect: economic policies, although they have led to significant growth in GDP, have not resolved the profound social and economic inequalities. Tensions then finally exploded with the introduction of the quota system, perceived as a further injustice.

Hasina’s decision not to address the protests constructively then exacerbated the situation, leading to an escalation of violence and her eventual escape. His departure marked an important step in the protests, but it left the country in this current power vacuum and in a deep crisis.

What will become of Bangladesh?

With the escape of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is now under an army-led caretaker government. However, the population and many international observers are calling for civil and democratic leadership that can restore stability and trust in the political system. Emerging leaders face the difficult task of restoring order, resolving the economic and social issues that have fueled the protests, and promoting true national reconciliation.

The future of Bangladesh will depend on the ability of these new leaders to listen to the people’s demands. Now is the time to implement meaningful reforms and ensure that the transition occurs peacefully and democratically. Will a military government be able to meet these challenges? Only in this way can Bangladesh hope to overcome this crisis and build a more stable future.

The importance of grassroots protests (still today)

The current thorny situation in Bangladesh is an example not only of how unheeded political discontent becomes open dispute but also of the strength of popular demonstrations as a tool for the people to express their discomfort. When citizens come together to make their voices heard against injustice and corruption, can they still trigger meaningful change, even in contexts of strong repression?

Bangladesh is now at a crossroads. The protests demonstrated the strength and determination of its people. However, the country is crossed by profound contradictions and has gone from a corrupt government to a provisional military government. Far from being resolved, what will happen to the country now?

Original article published on Money.it Italy 2024-08-07 11:42:55. Original title: Cosa sta succedendo in Bangladesh?