On August 5, 2024, in a stunning turn of events, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned and left Dhaka in the midst of violent clashes and growing anti-government protests that had left the country in disarray. General Waker-Uz-Zaman of the Bangladesh Army has assumed command and declared the establishment of an interim administration, promising to bring peace back and deal with the root causes of the unrest.

The Protests and Their Roots

The immediate catalyst for the protests was the controversial reinstatement of a quota system for government jobs. The system, which reserves 30% of government positions for the families of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, had been abolished in 2018 but was recently reinstated by a court ruling. The decision reignited widespread anger among students and unemployed youth, who saw the quota system as unfair and discriminatory.

The protests, which began in Dhaka, quickly spread nationwide, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators. High unemployment rates among young people, who make up nearly a fifth of the country’s 170 million population, further fueled the discontent. The situation deteriorated rapidly, with clashes between protesters and security forces resulting in significant casualties. Reports indicate that over 1,100 people have been killed and more than 12,500 injured since the protests began.

Government Response and Hasina’s Resignation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, facing mounting pressure and unable to quell the unrest, imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended internet and text messaging services in an attempt to control the situation. However, these measures failed to stop the protests, which continued to grow in intensity and scale. Hasina’s resignation came after a meeting with leaders of 14 political parties, who urged the deployment of the armed forces to restore peace.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, in a televised address, called for calm and assured the public that the military would investigate all deaths related to the protests and hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized that the military’s role was to restore order and facilitate the formation of an interim government.

Political Implications

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marks a critical turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, has been a dominant figure in Bangladeshi politics, leading the country through a period of economic growth and development. However, her tenure has also been marred by allegations of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and corruption. The current crisis has exposed deep-seated grievances and discontent among the population, particularly the youth, who feel marginalized and disenfranchised.

The involvement of opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami in the protests suggests that the political landscape could shift dramatically in the coming months. The military’s role in this transition will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as concerns about a return to military rule loom large.

Why Hasina Chose India

Sheikh Hasina’s decision to flee to India is rooted in historical and geopolitical considerations. India and Bangladesh share a complex and multifaceted relationship, with deep ties dating back to Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, when India played a crucial role in supporting the liberation movement. Hasina, perceived as a pro-India leader, has maintained strong bilateral relations with New Delhi throughout her tenure.

India remains one of Bangladesh’s most trusted allies, and the two countries have expanded cooperation across various sectors, including trade, security, and infrastructure development. Hasina’s recent visits to India, including her participation in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony and a subsequent bilateral visit, underscore the strong ties between the two nations.

Given the close relationship and India’s strategic interests in ensuring stability in Bangladesh, it is likely that Hasina viewed India as a safe haven where she could garner support and possibly plan her political future. India’s willingness to host Hasina also reflects its desire to maintain influence in Bangladesh and prevent any potential geopolitical shifts that could arise from the current crisis.

As per reports, Sheikh Hasina’s flight has landed in Hindon Air base in Ghaziabad, India. There is ambiguity on her future plan. Probably she may fly again to London.

Regional and International Reactions

The international community has expressed deep concern over the violence and loss of life in Bangladesh. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue and urged all sides to avoid further violence. Human rights organizations have criticized the government’s heavy-handed response and the suspension of communication services, calling for respect for the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.

India, while closely monitoring the situation, has issued advisories for its nationals in Bangladesh and maintained contact with local authorities to ensure their safety. The developments in Bangladesh are also being closely watched by other regional powers, including China, which has been expanding its influence in the country in recent years.

The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the military takeover brings a critical juncture for Bangladesh. As the country struggles with this political crisis, the actions of the interim government and the response of the international community will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the nation.

The situation remains fragile, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether Bangladesh can move through this meltdown and evolve with a more stable and inclusive political framework.