Students Protest In Bangladesh: A Symbol Of Revolution – OpEd

The quota system in Bangladesh was created in 1972 after its independence from the current Pakistan. At first 80 percent jobs were reserved for the families of those warriors who fought against Pakistan. In 1976 merit based recruitment was increased to 40 percent which was further enhanced to 55 percent in 1995. It was 30 percent for the descendants of those worriers, 10 for women, 10 for people belonging to specific backward district, 5 for tribal communities/minorities , and 1 for disabled and transgender in 2018. The movement for ending quota system was started in 1990.

In 2018, government ended quota system. But on June, 5, 2024 it was again reinforced by the supreme court with some alterations that reduced quota to 7 percent in which 5 percent was reserved for the descendants of warriors and 2 percent for minorities and disabled but the protesters rejected.

Although, during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the economy of the country witnessed growth, where huge industrialization took place, and around five million people were taken out of poverty but at the same time inflation and unemployment increased. Students were the prime victim of unemployment owing to quota system where 18 million students were jobless despite this gigantic industrialization and economic growth. In addition, for instance, by mid 2023, 32 million people out of 172 million were facing food insecurity. 18 million people were out of work. 10 percent wealthiest controlled 41 percent of nation,s income.

Notwithstanding, Awami league leadership became rich during the last 15 years. They were also involved in corruption. Ex_Army chief, ex_Police chief and other close allies of Hasina Wajid were involved in corruption. Her personal assistant had40 millionTakka in his bank account. It is also in media that her personal assistant Jahangir Alam was Hasina Wajad, s right hand of her.

During her 15 years reign she proved to be a civil dictator. She banned Jamiat_ I_Islami (Her harsh critical party) and her students wung Shibir on August 1. While, human rights watch writes that previous 3 elections were rigged. In addition, political vendetta increased where her political opponents were rather jailed, hung, or disappeared.

She also banned on Social media. Her reign was the worst type of civil authoritarian rule, censorship, and suppression. Therefore, owing to her harsh policies of her people belonging to different spheres were becoming part of countrywide protests.

These developments led to civil disobedience hence riots started around the country which mainly focused Dhaka.Protests were led by a student organization named Students against discrimination.Police and the student wing of Awami League Chatra League used force against protesters. The border Guard force BGF also helped the police. Estimatedly, 200 were killed and more than 10,000 protesters were arrested. TheUnicef ​​reports that 32 children have been killed by the Bangladeshi security forces during operation against the protesters.They used Tear Gas Sheel which they fired from helicopters. Curfew was also imposed but of no availability.

Hasina Wajid called these protesters as terrorists. She used derogatory remarks for protesters Razakar (means collaborators of Pakistan in 1971 war). Razzakar became a popular slogan for the dissenders who all called themselves as ‘we all are Razakar’.

Protesters demand were no longer confined to quota system. They demanded the resignation of Prime Minister, her apology on shooting remarks, and also demanding from her to accept mass killing, the resignation of home minister, that Police officers involved in students killing must be sacked, that the VCs of Dhaka, jahangurnagar and Rajshahi must resign, that the families of killed and injured during the protests must be compensated, that Awami league,s student wing Bangladesh Chaatra League must be banned, that students union be established, demanded Guarantee be provided that no harrassment of academic professionals and students will take place in future.

These protests proved fatal for the integration of the state and its economy. The state was plugging into social disharmony while the recent protests sent 10 billion USD to Bangladesh economy.

While writing this piece Hasina Wajid has resigned and has fled to India on the demand of Bangladesh Army chief general Waqar ul Zaman whereas the President of Bangladesh has ordered to release famous political leader and former Prime Minister Khalida Zia from jail.President has also dissolved assembly .The Army chief has announced that a new interim government will be formed until that Army will run the country. The students proposals say that they will provide suggestions for new interim government and have suggested renowned ecnomist and nobal prize winner Dr. Yonus as the head of new government. Students have further announced full support for democracy and civil supremacy and have warned that they will not accept state of emergency or any form of government shadowed by Army.

In 2022, people also took to the streets against President Gotabaya Rajapaksain Sri Lanka Owing to myriad of crises such as inflation, power outages, and shortages of essential goods in the country_who turned out to be surrendered.

These two developments testify as to how social media has penetrated and created consciousness among the masses. These revolutions further suggest how governance is important and that corruption, political vendetta, authoritarianism, and civil dictatorships do not fit in the scenario.