By Azhar Mehmood Awan,
Bangladesh finds itself at a pivotal moment, as years of growing discontent under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership have reached a breaking point. What was once a peaceful and optimistic nation has now erupted into widespread and violent protests, fueled by deep frustration and anger. Students, leading the charge in this revolution, have flooded the streets, demanding an end to the oppressive policies and corruption that have gripped the country for over 15 years.
The ousting of Sheikh Hasina and the emergence of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the interim leader mark a significant and transformative shift in the political landscape of
Bangladesh. To understand how Bangladesh reached this boiling point, we must probe into the past and examine the series of events and policies that led to this historic revolution. Let’s take a detailed look at the factors that contributed to the current crisis.
Poor Condition of Bangladesh
Under Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing regime, the economic disparities in Bangladesh have widened, with rural areas facing severe neglect. Basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain inadequate, leaving a large portion of the population struggling to survive. While the economy showed growth on paper, the benefits never trickled down to the masses, intensifying poverty and social inequality.
Inflation
Inflation has relentlessly burdened the citizens of Bangladesh, with the prices of essential goods skyrocketing. The government’s inability to stabilize the economy has led to a decrease in purchasing power, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary Bangladeshis to afford basic necessities. This persistent inflation has been a key driver of public discontent.
Quota System Imposed by Sheikh Hasina
The controversial quota system in public sector jobs and educational institutions, implemented under Hasina’s rule, became a symbol of the regime’s unfairness. Initially intended to help marginalized groups, the system quickly devolved into a tool for political favoritism and fueling frustration among students and professionals alike.
Massive Corruption During Hasina’s Era
Sheikh Hasina’s tenure has been stained by extensive corruption that saturated all levels of government and public institutions. Under her rule, Bangladesh witnessed an unprecedented scale of graft, where public funds were frequently misappropriated by officials close to the ruling party. Corruption scandals involving large infrastructure projects, public procurement, and banking sectors became commonplace, draining the nation’s resources and deepening poverty.
The Anti-Corruption Commission, meant to serve as a watchdog, was rendered ineffective, often accused of being used as a tool against political opponents rather than genuinely tackling corruption. The pervasive corruption not only stifled economic growth but also eroded public trust in the government, contributing to the widespread dissatisfaction that eventually fueled the recent uprisings.
Rigging of Elections
The integrity of elections under Sheikh Hasina’s government has been a significant point of disagreement, with numerous allegations of rigging and manipulation to ensure her party’s dominance. Elections were frequently blemished by reports of voter terrorization, ballot stuffing, and the suppression of opposition parties. The Election Commission, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, was often seen as being under the influence of Hasina’s administration, further compromising the credibility of the electoral process.
These rigged elections effectively stifled democratic competition, allowing Hasina to maintain her grip on power while marginalizing large segments of the population. This systematic manipulation of the electoral process not only undermined democracy in Bangladesh but also sowed the seeds of the massive public unrest that eventually led to her ousting.
Ties with India and Enforcement of Indian Policies
Sheikh Hasina’s close ties with India were often perceived as compromising Bangladesh’ssovereignty. Critics argue that her administration was overly compliant with Indian interests, allowing foreign influence to dictate domestic policies. This perception further made concerned many Bangladeshis, who felt their country was being used as a instrument of India in regional
geopolitics.
Mishandling of Political Opponents
Hasina’s tenure was marked by a brutal crackdown on political opponents. The regime used state machinery to harass, frighten, and eliminate rivals. This heavy-handed approach included uninformed arrests, suppression of dissent, and the widespread use of state resources to maintain her grip on power.
Executions of Jamaat-e-Islami Leaders
The execution of several elderly leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami under Sheikh Hasina’s government was widely condemned as politically motivated. These leaders were sentenced to death for alleged war crimes, but the trials were criticized for lacking transparency and fairness. The executions deepened political divisions and were seen as a way to eliminate opposition rather than serve justice.
Suppression of the Military
Sheikh Hasina’s rule also saw the suppression of military dissent. Several army officers, perceived as threats to her power, were allegedly targeted and killed. This not only demoralized the military but also raised fears of a politicized armed forces, further destabilizing the nation.
Judicial Misconduct Against Opponents
The judiciary under Sheikh Hasina was often seen as a tool for political victimization. Opposition leaders, including globally respected figures like Dr. Muhammad Yunus, faced numerous legal challenges that many believe were fabricated. This misuse of the judicial system eroded public trust in governance and further fueled the revolutionary fervor.
The Aftermath: A New Beginning As the dust settles after the revolution, the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Yunus as interim leader brings a glimmer of hope for Bangladesh. His proven track record in poverty alleviation and social business offers a new direction for the country.
Passion of Youngsters and Wisdom of an Old age Experienced Leadership When Dr. Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh, he was greeted by Group of young student leaders at the airport, a powerful image that captured the spirit of the revolution.
This scene of Dr Younas talk with Media vibrantly illustrated how the enthusiasm and passion of the youth had driven the movement that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Now,Dr. Yunus a wise old age but highly experienced leader who has already achieved remarkable success in poverty alleviation and social entrepreneurship will guide the nation through its post-revolution phase.
His return marks a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history, where the fusion of youthful energy and seasoned leadership holds the promise of transforming the country into a beacon of prosperity and justice in the Global South. With the government’s executive powers now in his hands, Dr. Yunus is poised to enact policies that could propel Bangladesh towards a bright and prosperous future, making it a potential economic powerhouse in the region. With the support of the youth, Dr. Yunus is poised to lead Bangladesh towards a future of prosperity and justice, potentially transforming it into a leading economic power in the Global South.
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