How Bangladesh’s anti-quota protests turned into a campaign to remove Hasina

What began as a protest against a quota system has morphed into a significant anti-government movement in Bangladesh, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She was voted back to power for the consecutive fourth term only seven months ago.

The initial trigger was a court-intervened government’s decision regarding reservations in civil service jobs for the descendants of the leaders who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Last month, students took to the streets, objecting to this preferential treatment, which they argued was unjust and discriminatory. The total quota in Bangladesh’s civil service jobs was at 56 per cent.

The government, in an attempt to pacify the students, rolled back most of the quotas. However, this concession did not quell the unrest. Instead, the protests escalated, fuelled by broader discontent with the government’s policies and perceived corruption. The movement, originally about fairness in job allocations, transformed into a widespread call for political change.

Students Against Discrimination, a powerful group leading the anti-government demonstrations, has now urged people not to pay taxes or any utility bills until Sheikh Hasina resigns.

The unfolding violence

The protest-related violence reached a peak on Sunday, with about 100 people killed in clashes across the country. The worst-hit area was Sirajganj, where authorities confirmed 18 deaths, including 13 police officers. The unrest spread rapidly, with Dhaka and other regions witnessing intense confrontations between government supporters and security forces.

The student activists, who called for a ’total non-cooperation movement,’ found support from various segments of society. Their demands expanded from the immediate issue of quotas to a broader critique of Sheikh Hasina’s governance. As the protests grew, so did the scale of violence, with government buildings and police stations being set ablaze.

From quotas to quitting

Initially focused on the reservation policy, the movement quickly took on a life of its own. Student leaders announced a civil disobedience campaign, demanding Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation. This escalation was marked by calls for citizens to refuse to pay taxes or other bills, and for the closure of factories and public transport.

The protest leaders argued that the government’s corruption and authoritarianism were intolerable, and that only a complete change in leadership could address these systemic issues.

Some of the protesters are even calling for instituting a trial of Hasina once she is forced out of office. One of the prominent protest leaders, Nahid Islam, has been quoted in various media reports as saying, “Sheikh Hasina should not only resign but also be tried for murder, looting, and corruption.”

This sentiment encapsulates the growing frustration and anger among the protesters, who see the government’s actions as both oppressive and illegitimate.

How Hasina government is responding now

The government’s response to the escalating protests has been severe. However, Hasina has toned down her critique of the protesters, whom she earlier described as Razakars — a pejorative term in Bangladesh as it refers to those who sided with the Pakistan military during the country’s armed struggle for independence in 1971. Now, she says that protesters are “not terrorists”.

A curfew was imposed in Dhaka, and mobile internet services were shut down to prevent the spread of information and coordination among protesters. The home ministry announced an indefinite curfew from Sunday evening, covering all major cities and industrial areas.

Prime Minister Hasina, in a bid to restore order, called for unconditional talks with the student leaders. However, this offer was rejected, as the protesters viewed it as an insincere attempt to defuse the situation without addressing the root causes of their discontent. In her statements, Hasina emphasised her desire to listen to the students and resolve the issues peacefully. Yet, the deployment of the army to control the protests only further antagonised the demonstrators.

Escalation of demands, army veterans back protesters

The student-led movement has gained significant momentum, with military veterans joining the call for Hasina’s resignation. Former military chiefs and officers have publicly urged security forces not to act against the student protesters, highlighting the deepening divide within the country’s establishment.

Former Army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan issued a statement urging the armed forces to return to their camps and prepare for emergency situations without engaging in conflict with the students.

These appeals underscore the high stakes of the current crisis. Bhuiyan and other former military officials stressed the importance of resolving the crisis through dialogue rather than force, warning that the reputation and honour of the armed forces were at risk.

The agitation has resonated with many segments of Bangladeshi society, including workers, farmers, and ordinary citizens disillusioned with the government. The Awami League, the ruling party, has faced accusations of corruption and authoritarianism, which have fuelled the protests.

Minister of Textiles and Jute, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, blamed the protest leaders for the violence and deaths, accusing them of conspiring with opposition forces to overthrow the government. His statements reflect the government’s narrative that the protests are not a genuine social movement but rather an orchestrated attempt by the opposition to seize power. This perspective has been echoed by other government officials, who argue that the movement is a ploy by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies to destabilise the country.

Calls for justice

Despite the government’s efforts to control the situation, the protesters remain resolute. They have called for justice for those killed and injured during the protests and demanded accountability for the actions of the security forces. The call for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation has gained traction, with many seeing it as the only way to achieve meaningful change.

The government’s announcement of a three-day public holiday starting from August 5 is seen by many as an attempt to diffuse the protests. However, the imposition of an indefinite curfew and the shutdown of mobile internet services indicate the government’s determination to maintain control.

Bangladesh at a crossroads

Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture. The anti-quota protests have evolved into a significant political movement challenging the very foundations of Hasina’s government. The outcome of this struggle will have profound implications for the country’s future.

The call for new programmes and memorials for the victims signifies the protesters’ resolve to continue their movement. As they organise rallies and sit-ins across the country, the demand for justice and change grows louder. The formation of struggle committees in districts, sub-districts, villages, and neighbourhoods is a testament to the movement’s grassroots strength.

The transformation of the anti-quota protests into a broader campaign against Sheikh Hasina’s government marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. The movement, driven by a desire for fairness, justice, and accountability, has captured the nation’s attention.

As the protests continue, the government faces increasing pressure to address the protesters’ demands and navigate the country through this turbulent period. The world watches as Bangladesh grapples with ongoing protests pressing for Hasina’s resignation with the prime minister hoping that a peaceful and just resolution can be achieved.