An insider-outsider to my own country: a reflection on the 22-day uprising of Bangladeshi Students.

Context

In July 2024, Bangladesh faced political upheaval following the Supreme Court’s reinstatement of a controversial job quota system. This meant that a significant portion of government jobs would be reserved for the descendants of the veterans who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. This triggered nationwide protests, led by students demanding a more just and merit-based system. The unrest escalated with the government's violent crackdowns, resulting in widespread chaos, mass arrests, and over 700 deaths, garnering international attention. The protests ended in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years.  

Furthermore, this rapidly escalating conflict between students and the government highlighted broader socio-economic challenges in Bangladesh. While focusing on the job quota system, the movement evolved into a wider critique of the Bangladeshi government’s authoritarianism and abuse of power. Ultimately, young people’s built-up frustrations led to a demand for merit-based hiring.  

Key Insights

The events in Bangladesh revealed several critical insights about the nature of protest, governance, and the role of youth in societal change. First, the protests highlighted the power of collective action. The student-led movement started with a narrow focus on job quotas but quickly grew into a broader demand for democracy and transparency. Despite the violent response from the government, including the deaths of over 187 protesters and the imposition of a curfew, the movement persisted, proving that even authoritarian regimes can be challenged by grassroots uprisings. 

A second critical insight was the role of communication and global awareness. The government’s decision to shut down the internet to silence the protests only fueled international outrage, as people worldwide—particularly Bengalis living abroad—joined in solidarity with the protesters. Notably. Protests held in solidarity in East London, and New York. This demonstrated how attempts to suppress dissent in an increasingly interconnected world can often backfire, leading to greater scrutiny and pressure on governments to address public grievances. 

Purpose

In the beginning, while watching the events unfold, I was indifferent. Inequalities exist everywhere, and demanding change seemed like an ambitious privilege. Growing up in the individualistic West, I believed people should adapt to their circumstances. However, my opinion quickly shifted as the protests intensified, with the government’s violent response. As a result, I began to appreciate the power of collective action and the need to stand against systematic injustices. The protests in Bangladesh highlight just how potent grassroots movements can be. After some reflection, I realise that my initial stance was ignorant and failed to recognise the importance of such movements in achieving progress and justice.  

Lastly, the protests underscored the importance of leadership and accountability. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s derogatory remarks toward the protesters, labelling them “Razakar” (a term with connotations of betrayal), intensified public anger and alienated her from a generation of young people already frustrated by the country’s economic stagnation. Her eventual resignation was not only a victory for the protesters but also a testament to the failure of leadership when it refused to engage with citizens’ demands. 

Key Actors

Several vital actors shaped the events in Bangladesh. First and foremost were the student leaders who organised the protests and called for justice for those killed during the crackdown. These students became the face of the domestic and international movement, demanding systemic reforms beyond the job quota issue. 

Law Minister Anisul Huq played a pivotal role in the government’s response, accusing opposition forces of fueling the protests and framing the destruction of symbols associated with the ruling Awami League as an attack on Bangladesh’s development. Meanwhile, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, a prominent figure known for his advocacy of microfinance, entered the political fray by proposing forming an interim government to oversee new elections. 

Another vital factor was the international Bengali diaspora, particularly in the US and UK. These communities protested in solidarity with the students back home, demonstrating that the movement had global resonance and support. This international attention added pressure on the Bangladeshi government to address the protesters’ demands and further isolated Sheikh Hasina as global calls for her resignation grew louder. 

What Now?

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina, on August 5, represents a significant turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, but the future remains uncertain. Student leaders are pushing for structural reforms, including changes to the electoral commission to prevent future authoritarian rule. There are discussions about forming a new political party representing youth and other marginalised groups. 

In the short term, appointing an interim government—potentially led by figures like Muhammad Yunus—will ensure a smooth transition to new leadership and that elections are free and fair. However, much work remains to address the underlying issues of corruption, economic inequality, and government inefficiency that fueled the protests in the first place. 

The events in Bangladesh offer essential lessons about the power of youth movements and the role of collective action in challenging authoritarianism. In an age of increasing global interconnectedness, protests can grow beyond national borders, as international support can amplify a movement's impact. 

This situation also reminds us that governments that rely on repression to maintain power risk sparking more prominent revolts. The student-led movement in Bangladesh is part of a broader trend of youth-driven activism worldwide, from climate protests to movements against corruption. 

Bibliography

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