Author :Sanchita Mehra
(student at Maims, Delhi)
The tragic end of Sheikh Hasina’s progressive government, after serving three terms as Prime Minister, marks a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. Despite Sheikh Hasina’s government fostering harmonious international relations and steering Bangladesh towards economic progress, it has struggled to address the grave political instability within the country. This instability, exacerbated by foreign interference and growing political discontent, has undermined Hasina’s efforts. Her administration initially focused on rapid development but now faces the stark reality of its shortcomings, with the nation standing on the brink of stagnation rather than advancement.
What began as a campaign for reservations, hidden beneath layers of conspiracy, escalated into a dire situation that even Sheikh Hasina could not have anticipated. Despite the Supreme Court retracting its decision, the reality has become more severe. As has often been the case, this created a golden opportunity for extremist Islamic parties, which, with the backing of foreign powers, ultimately succeeded in seizing control. The consequences of this outcome are now evident.
The recent military coup in Bangladesh holds profound international significance, marking a critical juncture in global political dynamics. As the nation grapples with this upheaval, the implications extend far beyond its borders, affecting regional stability and international diplomatic relations. This sudden shift disrupts Bangladesh’s internal affairs and poses challenges to global security and economic interests. The international community watches closely as the unfolding situation could reshape alliances and influence geopolitical strategies on a broader scale.
The ongoing protest aims to abolish the quota system, which reserves over 50% of government jobs for specific groups, including 30% for children of war heroes from the 1971 War of Independence, as well as quotas for women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
Historical Background of the Quota System
The quota system in Bangladesh has its roots in the War of Independence in 1971 when Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan. Despite sharing the same religion, East and West Pakistan differed in many aspects, including language. At the time, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, secured 167 out of 300 seats in the national assembly, a clear majority that should have led to the formation of the government. However, the military leadership of West Pakistan opposed this outcome, leading to widespread civil disobedience in East Pakistan.
The military launched operations to prevent the separation of East Pakistan from West Pakistan, resulting in a brutal nine-month war. Those who opposed the formation of Bangladesh were labeled as Razakars. Following the war, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who became the President of Bangladesh and is revered as the Father of the Nation, introduced a 30% quota in civil services for freedom fighters.
Expansion of the Quota System
In 1997, the government of Bangladesh extended the quota to include the children of freedom fighters, and in 2010, the quota was further expanded to encompass the grandchildren of freedom fighters.
In 2012, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission implemented a policy introducing a 1% quota for disabled candidates. This decision resulted in a reduction of merit-based job allocations to 44%. Although a 30% quota exists for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters, recruitment in this category has never exceeded 10%
Why are the students protesting?
A group of students has initiated a protest against the current quota system, contending that it is discriminatory and does not adequately reflect merit. These students assert that recruitment processes should prioritise qualifications and performance over the existing quota allocations.
The student’s argument hinges on the principle of fairness and equal opportunity, emphasising that merit-based recruitment would ensure that the most qualified and capable individuals are selected. They claim that the quota system, as it stands, undermines this principle by giving undue advantage to certain groups, regardless of their qualifications or performance levels.
On March 8, 2018, the Bangladesh High Court rejected a petition challenging the legality of the quota system. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced on March 21 that she intended to retain the quota for the descendants of freedom fighters. However, Bangladeshi students protested against the quota system. In response, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued an executive order removing all quotas from the Bangladesh Civil Services. The protestors were demanding a reformation of the quota system, not its abolition. The decision to abolish the quota became effective on July 1, 2020.
On June 5, 2024, the High Court ruled on a writ petition filed by a descendant of a freedom fighter, declaring that the 2018 circular was illegal. This ruling effectively reestablished quotas in government recruitment. The government appealed the ruling. On July 1, students began protesting and demanded the cancellation of the High Court order.
In response to increasing public protests following the High Court’s decision to reinstate the quota system, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has issued a ruling on the distribution of quotas. The new system allocates 93% of the available positions based on merit, with the remaining 7% distributed as follows:
1% for minority communities
1% for persons with disabilities
5% for descendants of freedom fighters
The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has agreed with the demands of the students, leading to an unprecedented wave of protests across the country. The situation has escalated rapidly, with demonstrations becoming increasingly intense and uncontrollable.
In a dramatic turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned amid the mounting pressure. The military has intervened, giving her only 45 minutes to leave the country.
The military has now taken control of Bangladesh, and the situation remains extremely critical. The future of the nation hangs in the balance as it navigates through this period of uncertainty and upheaval.
Just reservation or influence of external/internal power?
The opposition in Bangladesh has played a pivotal role in the recent political upheaval that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Through strategic mobilization of protests, they capitalized on widespread discontent, notably among student groups, and turned this into a powerful movement against the government. The opposition consistently highlighted governmental failures, ranging from economic mismanagement to allegations of corruption and human rights abuses, eroding public confidence in Hasina’s leadership.
By forming strategic alliances with other political parties, civil society organizations, and influential figures, the opposition created a unified front that added credibility to their cause. This unification made it increasingly difficult for the government to ignore their demands. Additionally, the opposition reached out to international organizations and foreign governments, bringing global attention to the political crisis in Bangladesh and adding pressure on Hasina’s administration.
The culmination of these efforts led to a dramatic turn of events, where intense pressure forced Sheikh Hasina to resign. The military then intervened, giving her a brief window to leave the country before taking control. This sequence of actions underscores the significant impact of a coordinated opposition in challenging and ultimately altering the political landscape of Bangladesh.
The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, has raised questions about the influence of external powers. The opposition’s strategic mobilization of protests against Hasina’s government has been significantly bolstered by various factors, including allegations of foreign interference.
During the election for Sheikh Hasina’s fourth consecutive term, the United States declared the process neither free nor fair. This statement provided the opposition with the impetus to intensify their efforts against the government. Additionally, tensions between the United States and Bangladesh have been exacerbated by Hasina’s refusal to allow a U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean. Her indirect statements critical of the U.S. further strained relations.
The sudden coup that followed has led to speculations about foreign funding supporting the opposition, enabling them to provoke public unrest. These factors, combined with the opposition’s effective use of both traditional and social media platforms, sustained the protests and kept the public engaged.
Moreover, despite the Hasina government’s removal of the quota system in 2018, the High Court unexpectedly deemed the 2018 circular illegal. This controversial ruling added fuel to the protests, raising suspicions of ulterior motives and hidden agendas.
The culmination of these efforts saw the military intervene, giving Hasina a limited time to leave the country before taking control. This sequence of events suggests a scenario where external powers may have played a role in the opposition’s actions, leading to Hasina’s downfall.
There is concern that Bangladesh might face a situation similar to Pakistan, where democracy exists in name only, with the military holding superior power. The circumstances leading to the military coup in Bangladesh reflect potential foreign involvement that helped the opposition incite public dissent.
As the nation navigates through this critical period, it remains to be seen how these influences will shape the future of Bangladesh’s democracy and governance. The phrase “there’s something fishy going on” aptly describes the underlying suspicions surrounding these events.
The Plight of Hindus and Minorities in Bangladesh
The recent military coup in Bangladesh has exacerbated the already precarious situation for the country’s minorities, particularly Hindus, who comprise about 9% of the population. Amidst the chaos of the coup, there have been reports of Hindu temples and deities being vandalized and women being kidnapped during the protests.
Historically, the condition of Hindus in Bangladesh has been fraught with challenges. During the military rule of Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad from 1975 to 1990, the influence of Islamic nationalism severely affected the economic and social standing of Hindus. Despite the end of military rule, the situation did not significantly improve, with sporadic attacks on Hindus and their places of worship continuing.
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, there have been efforts to protect the rights of minorities. The Awami League, which she leads, has taken a more secular stance compared to its predecessors. However, significant challenges remain. The recent release of Begum Khaleda Zia from the BNP party, who is known for her alignment with Islamist groups, adds to the uncertainty and fear among minorities.
A Bangladesh minister has even suggested that India should open its borders to allow Hindus to cross over, highlighting the desperation of the situation. The recent coup has been described as a disaster for minorities, and only time will tell the full extent of its impact on the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Conclusion-
The downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, despite its economic and developmental strides, underscores the persistent political instability in Bangladesh. The recent military coup, amid allegations of foreign interference and rising internal discontent, has plunged the nation into uncertainty. The plight of minorities, especially Hindus, has intensified, with reports of violence and vandalism during the upheaval. Historical marginalization, coupled with current political turmoil, has left minorities vulnerable despite previous efforts at protection. As Bangladesh faces this critical juncture, the implications extend beyond its borders, affecting regional stability and international relations, while raising concerns about the future of its democracy.
Call for action-
The recent turmoil in Bangladesh demands urgent and decisive action from the global community and Bangladeshi authorities to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable populations.
For India and Other Countries:
Humanitarian Intervention: Swiftly provide refuge and humanitarian aid to minorities fleeing persecution. Open borders and establish safe corridors for those in immediate danger.
Diplomatic Engagement: Apply international diplomatic pressure to restore democracy and stability in Bangladesh. Convene emergency meetings at the UN and other global forums to address the crisis.
Global Oversight: Deploy international observers to monitor the situation on the ground, ensuring human rights violations are documented and perpetrators are held accountable.
For Bangladesh:
Immediate Protection for Minorities: Implement emergency measures to protect Hindu communities and other minorities. Increase security around temples and minority neighborhoods.
Path to Democracy: Initiate a transparent and inclusive dialogue for the peaceful restoration of democratic governance. Engage all political factions and civil society to ensure fair representation.
Judicial Review and Reform: Address public grievances by reviewing controversial judicial decisions. Ensure the legal system upholds fairness and justice for all citizens.
A United Effort for Peace and Stability
This critical juncture calls for a united effort to ensure peace, protect human rights, and restore democratic governance in Bangladesh. The international community and Bangladeshi leaders must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further suffering and instability.
FAQ: Recent Political and Legal Developments in Bangladesh-
1) What led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina?
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid mounting public protests and increasing political pressure, particularly regarding the reinstatement of the quota system for government jobs. The protests, led primarily by students, escalated when the Supreme Court reinstated the quota system, which the public viewed as unfair and discriminatory.
2) What was the quota system, and why was it controversial?
The quota system reserved a significant percentage of government jobs for specific groups, including children of freedom fighters, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. It was criticized for reducing merit-based job allocations, leading to widespread protests and demands for its reformation or abolition.
3) What role did the military play in the recent political changes in Bangladesh?
The military intervened following intense protests and political instability, giving Sheikh Hasina a brief window to leave the country. This intervention marked the beginning of a military coup, with the military now controlling the government.
4 ) What were the implications of foreign influence in Bangladesh’s recent political events?
Allegations of foreign interference, particularly from the United States, were significant in the opposition’s efforts to destabilize Sheikh Hasina’s government. This interference is believed to have played a role in the events leading up to the military coup.
5) What is the current status of democracy in Bangladesh?
With the military now in control, Bangladesh’s democratic future is uncertain. The coup has raised concerns that the country may follow a path similar to Pakistan, where the military holds significant power over the democratic process.
6) What actions are being called for by the international community?
The international community is urged to take swift action, including humanitarian intervention, diplomatic engagement, and global oversight to restore democracy, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure human rights are upheld in Bangladesh.
