By all measurable standards, Sheikh Hasina, the recently ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh, was considered the most powerful and oppressive dictator the country had seen since its independence. She suppressed, imprisoned, and eliminated her political rivals in a manner unprecedented in South Asia. Despite her control over all branches of the Bangladeshi state, a leaderless movement of college students organized peaceful protests with clear dates and locations. These young revolutionaries successfully mobilized the nation against Hasina, forcing her to flee the country by helicopter. While the students and their supporters celebrated their victory, challenges lie ahead for Bangladesh.
The downfall of Hasina began when young people demanded the removal of an unfair quota system in civil service job distribution. Organizing under a distributed co-leadership structure and naming themselves the Students Against Discrimination movement, the students effectively coordinated protests across public and private educational institutions. Despite facing violence and suppression from Hasina’s forces, the protestors utilized their experience from previous demonstrations to strategically organize and evade government crackdowns.
Hasina, who had previously fled Bangladesh after a coup against her father in 1975, faced another forced exit in 2024. Her return to power in 2008 may not be repeated, given the widespread violence and killings that occurred during her rule. With the military chief, General Waker Uz Zaman, a relative of hers asking her to leave, the likelihood of a successful counter-coup is slim. The people’s resentment towards her regime has severely damaged her reputation as an untouchable leader, making a political comeback unlikely.
An interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a respected figure in Bangladesh and the country’s only Nobel laureate, has taken charge. Dr. Yunus and his team of advisers, which includes prominent figures from civil society and the student movement, face the daunting task of cleansing the government of corruption and mismanagement associated with Hasina’s rule. The process of reforming the administration, ensuring accountability for past atrocities, and rebuilding trust with the people will be challenging.
The interim government must also navigate diplomatic relations with India and China, addressing security concerns and business interests while maintaining international support. The main focus remains on organizing a new general election, but demands for justice and legal obstacles may complicate the political landscape. With various parties and individuals facing criminal charges and restrictions on electoral participation, the road to a free and fair election in Bangladesh may be long and arduous.