• Hasina Resigns: Bangladesh’s disgraced PM Sheikh Hasina resigned after deadly protests over alleged corruption and authoritarianism.
• Demand for Change: The military and public call for reforms, with the opposition seeking immediate elections.
Dhaka, Bangladesh, in a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country and resigned following weeks of escalating protests that have left hundreds dead and thousands injured. The country has been gripped by a wave of unrest as citizens demandedpolitical reform and accountability amid corruption and economic mismanagement. Her resignation has sparked renewed hope among the populace, who see it as an opportunity for a fresh start and a more hopeful future.
The resignation, reported late Sunday night, marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Prime Minister Hasina, who has led the country for nearly 15 years, faced mounting pressure from opposition parties, students, and civil society groups who accuse her government of authoritarian practices and election rigging.
The protests intensified following government forces using excessive force against demonstrators, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. The government’s crackdown on dissent, including mass arrests and internet blackouts, drew condemnation and heightened calls for reforms.
It was only a matter of time before Hasina’s leadership came to an end as reported by S2J news earlier. Her perceived arrogance and reluctance to apologise or listen to the public’s demands further fuelled discontent. As critics pointed out, autocratic rule only works if the leadership is just to its people.
Another Downfall: Relations with India
In a dramatic escape, Hasina fled to India, where she is believed to be seeking refuge. The swift and decisive action by the military has been met with relief among the public, who are now looking to the future with optimism.
Another factor contributing to Hasina’s downfall was her close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and her attempts to replicate his governance style in Bangladesh. Her government’s overt friendliness with India, a nation where the Hindutva ideology has led to the oppression of Indian Muslims, has raised eyebrows in Bangladesh. Many citizens viewed her ties with India as troubling, given Modi’s government’s track record on human rights issues and its treatment of Muslims.
The Bangladeshi public, largely Muslim, was suspicious of Hasina’s activities and her government’s increasingly close ties with what they perceived as a racist regime. This suspicion only added fuel to the already growing fires of disagreement against her leadership.
Students Storm Hasina’s Residence
The tipping point came when students stormed Hasina’s residence in Dhaka, demanding her immediate resignation. In a shocking turn, protesters took over the premises, with some seen walking around the city draped in items of clothing and personal belongings from her residence. In a bid to maintain order and prevent further violence, the military reportedly told Hasina that her time was up, urging her to leave the country immediately.
Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Dhaka demanding Hasina’s resignation and calling for fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government. The demonstrations were marked by clashes with police, who used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Human rights organisations have documented numerous instances of political repression under Hasina’s rule, including the arrest of opposition leaders and restrictions on press freedom.
Military’s Vow for Justice
The Bangladeshi military has vowed to bring justice to those responsible for the deaths and violence during the protests. Military leaders have expressed solidarity with the public’s demand for accountability and have promised to ensure that those who violated human rights face consequences. This announcement has been met with optimism by the protesters, who hope the military’s involvement will lead to a more just resolution of the crisis. Lieutenant General Ataul Hakim Sarwar Hasan and Major General Waker-uz-Zaman were key figures who backed the public, saying, “We will always be with our people.”
While Hasina may have helped grow Bangladesh’s economy and improved infrastructure with projects like the metro rail, better airports, and bridges, critics argue that any party could have achieved the same. Her perceived arrogance and ultimate decision to flee in disgrace overshadow these accomplishments.
“No one will remember her legacy of infrastructure development,” said one protester. “They will remember a government that killed and arrested students—the future of the country.” This sentiment echoes widely among the public.
Following Hasina’s resignation, members of the Awami League and its student wing, the Chatra League, will likely go into hiding. Both groups have been criticised for oppressing and using violence against the general public during the protests. The Chatra League, in particular, has gained notoriety for its intimidating tactics and alleged involvement in violent incidents.
The Chatra League will most likely become a banned organisation in the wake of these events. “We can only hope that the students and public are strong enough to not allow student politics with intimidating tactics to ever come back or thrive again,” said a prominent activist in Dhaka.
The future of the country
Opposition parties, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have called for immediate elections to restore public confidence and legitimacy to the government.
Experts warn that the path to stability will require significant reforms and a commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the political process. “This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh,” said Dr Mohammad Rahman, a political analyst based in Dhaka. “The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the country can overcome its divisions and build a more democratic society.”
As Bangladesh navigates this period, the focus remains on achieving a peaceful resolution and addressing the underlying issues that have fuelled the protests.
“We need to learn from history and ensure the next party does not rule with an iron fist but listens to its public,” remarked a protester in Dhaka. The resignation of Sheikh Hasina is seen as a victory for democracy and a step towards a more just and equitable society. However, the challenges ahead are significant, and the country’s leadership will need to demonstrate resilience and resolve to steer Bangladesh towards a brighter future.
“We, the people, need to remember we outnumber your bullets,” said one defiant protester, capturing the spirit of the movement that ultimately led to Hasina’s resignation. This powerful message serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Bangladeshi people as they seek a future marked by justice and equality.
