Bangladesh Weighs New Leadership

The rise and fall of leaders have become a common trend in South Asian countries, leading to instability in the region. The flight of Bangladeshi former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from her county on August 5, 2024, is another example of this phenomenon, which unfolded following an almost two-month-long student agitation. The military takeover after Hasina's departure is not a good sign for democracy in Bangladesh.

On August 5, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Army Chief of Bangladesh, announced that Hasina had resigned and that the military would form a caretaker government. President Mohammed Shahabuddin permitted the formation of an interim government to run the country. Several names are being floated as possible candidates for leadership, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Prof. Dr. Mohammed Yunus, who is the favourite choice of the agitating students and he has agreed to head the interim government. 

Protest 

Local media in Bangladesh reported that Hasina was forced to quit as Prime Minister after massive protests erupted against her government over a controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971. This protest began on June 6 at the University of Dhaka after the High Court reinstated the 30 per cent quota for the descendants of freedom fighters in government jobs on June 5th. The quota had been quashed earlier after similar protests by the then-Hasina government. However, on June 5 this year, it was reinstated after families of freedom fighters filed a case in court demanding their rights be reinstated.

The students argued that the quota was redundant and that jobs should be awarded based on merit, not family legacy. The families of the freedom fighters, however, stressed that they deserved the jobs for their livelihood due to their past sacrifices. Instead of negotiating with the students to find a win-win situation, Hasina’s government cracked down on the protesters, leading to the deaths of more than 300 people before she fled last Monday.

Hasina, the longest-serving prime minister in Bangladesh’s history, is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the Father of Bangladesh for leading the country to independence on March 26, 1971. The liberation war lasted for nine months, and after Pakistani soldiers surrendered on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh was formally established as an independent nation. Rahman became the first President and then the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Tragically, in August 1975, Rahman, his wife, and three sons were assassinated in their home by the military. Hasina and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, survived as they were abroad. Hasina spent six years in exile in India and was elected leader of the Awami League, a party founded by her father. 

In 1981, Hasina returned home and became vocal about democracy in the military-ruled country, leading to her house arrest multiple times. She was elected Prime Minister for the first time in 1996, lost in 2001, and returned with a majority victory in the 2008 polls. Thus, she served her country as Prime Minister for 15 years, a record unmatched globally. In 2004, she escaped an assassination attempt when a grenade exploded at her rally.

During her 15-year rule, Hasina was equally loved and hated by different sections of the population. Her government claimed development data showed the country was moving towards economic stability. However, there were massive concerns about human rights violations and press freedom. In the last election in early 2024, the opposition party refused to contest, claiming her government hindered any opposing candidates. Hasina fielded candidates in several constituencies who opposed each other but were essentially selected by her under different banners. 

Hasina’s leadership has been tarnished by her animosity towards Bangladesh's only Nobel Laureate, Prof. Mohammed Yunus. She filed several cases against him and treated him poorly, fearing he could be a potential prime ministerial candidate. Yunus is celebrated globally for founding the Grameen Bank model of microfinance and other subsidiary companies focused on improving the livelihoods of poor households through women.

In spite of her dictatorial regime, ironically, on Monday, August 5, 2024, the statue of Mujibur Rahman was vandalized in Dhaka, and she had to flee. The Bangladeshi population, who value democracy, oppose the current military takeover, which has led to vandalism and rampant looting. The minorities there, including the Hindus have been attacked and temples vandalised.  There is a fear that a military regime might commence again for a long time. Khaleda Zia, the leader of the main opposition, is in prison, and her supporters are calling for her release. However, she too is also known for her dictatorial attitude, much like her opponent, Hasina.

Stability 

Bangladeshi people are now looking for fresh leadership to move the country toward economic and social development. Student leaders such as Nahid Islam, who was attacked by Hasina’s armed forces, have played a significant role in ending her 15-year tenure and are now working on a roadmap for their country's future. Their success in getting Prof Yunus to head the caretaker government may be indication that the country is heading towards stability finally.  As of writing this article, Hasina is at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, India, contemplating her next move. The Indian government is holding consultations on its stance regarding the recent developments in Bangladesh. 

Hasina’s 15-year tenure has ended with her son stating that she has had enough of Bangladesh and will never return. The question arises: why do leaders who have sacrificed so much for their country resort to dictatorial regimes and contradict the principles they once stood for?  Let us hope that the Bangladesh now flourishes under the new leadership. Attacks on the minorities including the Hindus and their temples should stop immediately to make all Bangladeshi citizens safe in their country. 

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women's rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com. Twitter handle: @NamrataSharmaP)