In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s long-serving Prime Minister, has resigned following unprecedented civil unrest. The political turmoil, which has resulted in significant casualties and unrest, has drawn parallels to Sri Lanka’s recent crisis. This blog explores the unfolding situation, the impact on Bangladesh’s political landscape, and the international response.
The Resignation of Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina, who has led Bangladesh since 2009, resigned on August 3, 2024, after violent protests surged across the country. The resignation followed an attack on her residence in Dhaka by protesters demanding her ouster. The intensity of the protests, fueled by discontent over a quota reform movement, mirrored the scale of recent crises in neighboring Sri Lanka.
Protests and Violence
The protests, initially sparked by student demands for reform in the quota system for government jobs, quickly escalated into a broader uprising against Hasina’s Awami League party. Since mid-July, clashes between security forces and protesters have resulted in nearly 300 deaths, according to local media reports. The movement has highlighted deep-seated issues within the country’s political system and governance.
International Response and Security Measures
In the wake of Hasina’s resignation, the Indian government has taken significant steps to ensure her safety. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior military officials met Hasina at Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airbase. The Indian Air Force and other security agencies have provided protection as she is relocated to a secure location.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the crisis, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The Indian government has labeled the protests as an internal matter of Bangladesh, while also closely monitoring the developments.
Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political sphere. Hasina, the daughter of the country’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has dominated Bangladeshi politics for over a decade. Her tenure followed a protracted power struggle with Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Both women inherited political legacies from their slain family members—Rahman and Ziaur Rahman, respectively.
The Role of the Military
In response to the crisis, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, has announced that an interim government will be established. The military has committed to investigating the deadly crackdown on the student-led protests, which has exacerbated public outrage against the government.