by: Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi
The recent student protests in Bangladesh have captured widespread attention, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among the youth toward the government and its policies. Sparked by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system, these protests have become a significant movement, highlighting broader issues of governance, corruption, and the struggle for justice.
Students have been at the forefront of the protests. Many young people took to the streets after a court reinstated quotas the quota system, declaring its previous abolishment unconstitutional. This decision sparked immediate outrage among students, leading to widespread protests at Dhaka University and spreading nationwide. Initially, the government and ruling party politicians argued that the reinstatement was a judicial decision beyond their control. But a controversial remark by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 14, suggesting that the protesters preferred the descendants of Razakars (collaborators with Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War) over freedom fighters, fueled further anger. Students took to the streets with chants like “Who am I? Who are You? Razakar, Razakar,” highlighting their discontent.
In 2018, students from public universities across Bangladesh erupted in protest against the quota system, arguing that it undermined meritocracy. They were particularly critical of the 30% reserved for the descendants of freedom fighters. The intensity of these protests eventually forced the government to abolish the quota system, seemingly addressing the students’ demands.
Public sector employment is a popular option for many in Bangladesh, yet nearly half the jobs are reserved under various quotas. With the economy stagnating and millions of Bangladeshis out of work, the court decision has unleashed much pent-up anger. The situation remains tense , with sporadic protests reported from the country.
The demonstrations over job quotas cannot be seen in isolation, as an economic slowdown, as well as a sense of political disenfranchisement, has created an explosive situation in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina Wajed secured a fourth term in election held earlier this year. Boycotted by the opposition, they had raised questions of legitimacy. Earlier, Shaikh Hasina had overseen a crackdown against opposition forces, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
In such a politically polarised atmosphere, with economic growth not meeting the expectations of many Bangladeshis, such mass protests were only a matter of time. Thousands of garment workers also took to the streets last year demanding higher wages. The demonstrators’ legitimate demands should be met, while the deaths of protesters should be investigated in a transparent manner.
Moreover, the unfortunate events playing out in Bangladesh should serve as a warning sign for other South Asian states. Political victimization coupled with economic stagnation and heavy-handed state reaction is a recipe for disaster. All political forces should be allowed to freely operate as per democratic norms, while the state needs to act with compassion and transparency in times of economic distress.
The author can be mailed at agamuntazir@gmail.com / Twitter : @agasyedmuntazir
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