How Bangladesh's protests ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year reign

In Bangladesh, a series of intense protests have led to the end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's long rule, which lasted for 15 years. The protests began with a rallying cry from young people who shouted, 'Sheikh Hasina is a dictator! ' This phrase became a symbol of the growing anger among the population. On Monday, the situation escalated dramatically, resulting in the prime minister's resignation. Sheikh Hasina, who is 76 years old, had been in power since 2009, and just a month ago, it seemed unlikely that she would have to step down. However, by Monday morning, the protests had reached a boiling point. The unrest was sparked by a court ruling in July, which ignited a movement demanding her resignation. The protests intensified over the following weeks, culminating in a fierce confrontation between protesters and police on Sunday. Tragically, nearly 300 people have lost their lives due to the violence, with at least 90 fatalities reported on Sunday alone, including 13 police officers. This marked the deadliest day of protests in Bangladesh's recent history, with many observers describing the events as 'carnage. ' Despite the escalating violence, Sheikh Hasina remained defiant, but the sheer number of protesters on Monday, many of whom marched towards the capital Dhaka in defiance of a nationwide curfew, signaled a significant shift in the political landscape. The people of Bangladesh appeared to have lost their fear of the authorities, transforming what began as a political protest into a widespread uprising. The military's role in Sheikh Hasina's departure cannot be overlooked. Historically, the military has wielded considerable influence in Bangladesh's politics, and their pressure on the prime minister to resign played a crucial role in her decision to flee. The army, which has previously ruled the country, is still held in high regard by the public. The violence from the weekend, coupled with the prospect of facing further large-scale protests, likely prompted military leaders to reconsider their options. Reports indicate that junior officers had expressed concerns about being ordered to fire on civilians during a meeting with military chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman. As the situation unfolds, the future of Bangladesh remains uncertain. General Zaman is reportedly in discussions with various stakeholders, including opposition parties and civil society groups, to seek an 'interim' solution to the crisis. The protests have expanded beyond just students, evolving into a broader movement that reflects widespread discontent with the government. On August 3, 2024, students and activists gathered in Dhaka to voice their demands during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement rally. Sheikh Hasina's decision to seek refuge in India is not surprising, given the historical ties between the two nations. India has been a crucial ally for her government, but as her popularity waned, anti-India sentiment began to grow within Bangladesh. India views its relationship with Bangladesh as vital for its own security, particularly concerning the northeastern states that share a border with Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina had granted India transit rights to facilitate the movement of goods, and she took measures against anti-India militant groups operating within Bangladesh. However, India's support for an unpopular leader posed a dilemma, as it risked alienating the burgeoning mass movement and jeopardizing long-term relations with Bangladesh. With Sheikh Hasina's resignation, this dilemma has been alleviated. Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founding president, has held the title of the world's longest-serving female head of government. Her father was assassinated during a military coup in 1975, and only she and her sister survived because they were abroad at the time. After years of exile in India, she returned to Bangladesh in 1981 and collaborated with various political parties to lead a popular uprising for democracy, which solidified her status as a national icon. She first assumed office in 1996 but lost to her rival, Begum Khaleda Zia, in 2001. She returned to power in 2009 under a caretaker government. Throughout her tenure, her administration faced numerous allegations of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of opposition figures. While she denied these accusations, her government often blamed opposition parties for inciting protests. In recent weeks, Sheikh Hasina and her party, the Awami League, were also held responsible for the unrest that gripped the nation. However, the intensity of the public's anger was unprecedented. This marked the most significant challenge she had faced during her years in office. For weeks, she resisted calls for change, even labeling the protesters as 'terrorists' at one point. The realization that the security forces could not suppress the protests foreshadowed a difficult future for any leader, especially one already facing significant challenges.