Root Cause of Revolt in Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina first came to power in Bangladesh in 1996, and she has since served as Prime Minister for multiple terms, solidifying her position as one of the most influential political figures in the country. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, initially rose to prominence by capitalizing on her family’s legacy and the support of the Awami League, one of the country’s major political parties.

Hasina has held the office of Prime Minister four times—first from 1996 to 2001, and then from 2009 to the present. Her return to power in 2009 marked the beginning of an extended period of governance, during which she has been accused of systematically undermining democratic institutions in Bangladesh.

Her elections, particularly in 2014 and 2018, have been marred by widespread allegations of rigging and electoral fraud. Reports of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and the use of state machinery to ensure victory have cast a long shadow over the legitimacy of her victories. The 2014 election was particularly controversial, as it was boycotted by the main opposition party, leading to an uncontested victory for Hasina and her party. The 2018 election was similarly fraught with accusations of manipulation, including the use of violence and coercion to suppress opposition and secure her continued hold on power.

India’s involvement in Hasina’s elections has also been a subject of concern. It is widely believed that India has provided strategic support to Hasina, ensuring her political survival and dominance in exchange for policies that align with Indian interests. This relationship has raised questions about the extent to which Hasina’s government represents the will of the Bangladeshi people, rather than serving as a proxy for external interests.

Under Hasina’s rule, Bangladesh has seen a troubling shift from a democratic to an increasingly authoritarian state. Her government has been accused of systematically dismantling opposition parties, controlling the judiciary, suppressing free speech, and using state power to silence critics. The media, once vibrant and free, has faced severe restrictions, with journalists facing harassment, arrests, and even physical attacks for reporting on government corruption or criticizing Hasina’s policies.

The transformation of Bangladesh under Hasina from a democracy to an authoritarian regime has been stark. Her negative policies and practices, including the centralization of power, the erosion of democratic checks and balances, and the suppression of dissent, have fundamentally altered the political landscape of the country. Today, Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina is viewed by many as a nation where democratic principles have been sacrificed in favor of maintaining her grip on power.

Misuse of the Quota System Under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Rule

During Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the introduction and subsequent misuse of the quota system for government jobs in Bangladesh have become a significant point of contention, triggering widespread discontent and unrest. While quotas were ostensibly introduced to ensure representation and opportunities for various disadvantaged groups, in practice, this system has been exploited to serve the interests of the ruling Awami League, leading to nepotism, favoritism, and the erosion of meritocracy.

Introduction of the Quota System

The quota system in Bangladesh, particularly under Hasina’s government, was intended to reserve a certain percentage of government jobs for specific groups, such as women, freedom fighters’ descendants, ethnic minorities, and people from rural areas. Initially, this system was meant to promote inclusivity and address historical inequalities. However, the implementation and management of this system have been deeply flawed, leading to significant criticism and unrest.

Misuse and Manipulation of the Quota System

Rather than serving as a tool for social justice, the quota system has been grossly misused under Hasina’s rule. The system has been manipulated to appoint members of the Awami League and its affiliates to key government positions, regardless of their qualifications or merit. Senior positions in the civil service, judiciary, armed forces, police, and other crucial decision-making bodies have been filled with party loyalists, creating a climate of cronyism and undermining the effectiveness of public institutions.

This blatant disregard for merit has had devastating effects on the morale and opportunities for countless deserving candidates who have been systematically sidelined. The misuse of the quota system has deprived talented and qualified individuals of their rightful opportunities, stifling the potential for innovation, efficiency, and progress within the government. The promotion of unqualified individuals based solely on their political allegiance has led to a degradation of public service standards, further alienating the general populace.

Impact on Public Sentiment and Unrest

The widespread misuse of the quota system under Hasina’s rule has not gone unnoticed by the public. The growing frustration over this system’s manipulation has been a significant factor in sparking protests and violence, particularly among students and young professionals who see their futures being sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. The movement against the quota system, which gained momentum in 2018, was a direct response to the perception that the government was using the system to entrench its power at the expense of the common citizen.

These protests quickly evolved into a broader revolt against Hasina’s authoritarian governance, highlighting the deep-seated resentment towards the systemic corruption and nepotism that have come to define her rule. The public outcry against the quota system was not just about jobs; it was a manifestation of a larger dissatisfaction with the government’s disregard for meritocracy and democratic values.

Negative and Counterproductive Aspects

The misuse of the quota system under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been deeply counterproductive. Instead of promoting equality and fair representation, it has perpetuated inequality, stifled talent, and entrenched the power of a select few within the ruling party. This has led to a significant brain drain, as many talented individuals, disillusioned by the lack of opportunities and fairness in the system, seek to emigrate in search of better prospects.

Moreover, the deep-seated frustration over this issue has contributed to a loss of trust in the government and its institutions. The perception that the system is rigged to favor a particular political class has eroded the legitimacy of the government in the eyes of many Bangladeshis, leading to increased political instability and social unrest.

Dictatorial Rule of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure in Bangladesh has increasingly been characterized by authoritarian practices, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic and constitutional values in the country. Her policies appear primarily designed to consolidate and prolong her rule, often at the expense of fundamental democratic principles and the rights of her citizens.

Under Hasina’s leadership, political opposition has been systematically marginalized, with many of her critics facing severe repression. Prominent opposition figures, particularly from the Jamaat-e-Islami party, have been targeted through controversial judicial processes. Several leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami were executed following trials that were widely criticized as politically motivated and lacking due process. This crackdown on opposition leaders has been seen by many as a strategy to eliminate any significant challenge to her authority.

The case of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank and a globally respected figure, is another glaring example of Hasina’s oppressive tactics. Yunus, who had been a potential political rival, found himself embroiled in legal battles instigated by the government, which many view as an attempt to discredit and neutralize him as a political threat. This persecution of a figure of such stature has only further tarnished Hasina’s image on the international stage.

Hasina’s regime has also been marked by a heavy-handed approach to dissent and public opposition. The use of excessive force by security agencies has become a hallmark of her rule, with reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and detentions becoming increasingly common. The security forces have been accused of employing brutal tactics to suppress protests, silence opposition voices, and maintain control, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression across the country.

Public discontent has been met with harsh crackdowns, further fueling anger and resentment among the population. The widespread use of state machinery to stifle dissent has been a significant factor in the growing public revolt against her government. Hasina’s dictatorial practices, including the suppression of free speech, the manipulation of the judiciary, and the persecution of political opponents, have alienated many and are increasingly seen as a root cause of the unrest and instability in Bangladesh.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule in Bangladesh has been marked by authoritarianism, repression, and a blatant disregard for democratic norms. Her efforts to secure her power through the elimination of opposition, the manipulation of legal processes, and the brutal suppression of dissent have not only undermined the country’s democratic institutions but have also fueled widespread public discontent. As a result, Hasina’s dictatorial practices are now being recognized as a central cause of the growing unrest and resistance among the Bangladeshi people.

Indian Interference in Bangladesh

While the relationship between India and Bangladesh has been historically significant, recent years have seen an increasing wave of skepticism and concern in Bangladesh regarding India’s perceived interference in its internal affairs. This interference, viewed by many as undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty, has fueled growing anti-India sentiments among the Bangladeshi public.

Politically, India’s influence in Bangladesh’s domestic landscape has become a contentious issue. There are widespread perceptions that New Delhi exercises undue pressure on Dhaka, particularly in matters of governance and electoral processes. Allegations of Indian involvement in Bangladesh’s political affairs, including tacit support for certain political factions, have not only fueled tensions but have also led to a sense of resentment among ordinary Bangladeshis, who view this as an infringement on their country’s independence.

Economically, while India remains one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, the trade relationship is seen by many as heavily skewed in India’s favor. The trade imbalance, which consistently favors India, has heightened concerns about economic dependency. Many Bangladeshis feel that Indian investments and projects often prioritize India’s strategic interests over those of Bangladesh, reinforcing a perception of inequality in the partnership. The unresolved issues surrounding water sharing, particularly the Teesta River dispute, further exacerbate these concerns, with the public feeling that India has not adequately addressed Bangladesh’s legitimate needs.

In recent years, there has been growing anxiety over what is perceived as an overbearing Indian influence on Bangladesh’s cultural space. This concern has sparked a backlash from those who fear that Bangladesh’s unique cultural identity is being overshadowed, leading to a rise in anti-India sentiment among the populace.

Security issues along the border have also contributed to the growing public discontent. Incidents of cross-border smuggling, the controversial actions of Indian security forces, and reports of border killings have led to widespread outrage in Bangladesh. These events have fueled a perception that India’s actions are often heavy-handed and dismissive of Bangladesh’s sovereignty, further stoking anti-India sentiments.

India’s notorious intelligence agency, RAW, has long maintained a covert presence in Bangladesh, exerting significant influence over the country’s internal affairs. Reports suggest that RAW plays a decisive role in shaping key policies in Bangladesh, ensuring that they align with India’s strategic interests. Alarmingly, it is alleged that crucial appointments, such as the selection of Bangladeshi ambassadors to other countries, promotions of senior military officials, and high-ranking bureaucratic positions, require RAW’s approval. This oversight by RAW is seen as an effort to ensure that those appointed to senior positions in Bangladesh are sympathetic to Indian interests, effectively serving as extensions of India’s influence within the country. As a result of these factors, public sentiment in Bangladesh is increasingly critical of what is seen as Indian interference in the country’s affairs. This growing resentment has the potential to strain bilateral relations, as the Bangladeshi public pushes back against perceived external pressures. If these concerns are not addressed, the rising anti-India sentiment could lead to a significant reevaluation of Bangladesh’s relationship with India, with a greater emphasis on asserting national independence and safeguarding Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

Allegations and Regional Dynamics – Geopolitical Landscape

Recent allegations by India suggesting that China or Pakistan might be involved in the unrest against Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are unfounded and lack substantiation. Such claims seem to be an attempt to deflect attention from the real issues at hand, which are deeply rooted in the domestic political landscape of Bangladesh.

It is essential to recognize that the growing anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh are likely to have significant repercussions for India’s regional standing. The ongoing unrest and political instability in Bangladesh could indeed reflect negatively on India, potentially undermining its political investments and strategic interests in the region. As anti-India sentiments intensify, there is a real possibility that India could find itself further isolated in South Asia.

India’s diplomatic relationships with its neighbors have been increasingly strained. For instance, recent developments in the Maldives illustrate a notable shift in regional alliances, with China stepping into a position previously held by India. The strained relationship between India and the Maldives underscores a broader pattern of deteriorating relations with neighboring countries.

Looking ahead, it is plausible that any new government in Bangladesh could adopt a more critical stance toward India, driven by the prevailing anti-India sentiment. This shift could further isolate India and exacerbate its challenges in the region.

While some media speculation suggests that Western dissatisfaction with PM Hasina’s pro-Russia and pro-China tilt might be influencing the current unrest, it is important to note that there is no concrete evidence linking Western countries, including the US, to the student protests and unrest in Bangladesh. Additionally, Pakistan has officially denied any involvement in these movements, and the Foreign Office has clearly stated its non-involvement.

China, for its part, has consistently maintained a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The focus remains on fostering positive bilateral relations and supporting regional stability without engaging in external conflicts.

While India’s geopolitical maneuvering in South Asia faces challenges, attributing the unrest in Bangladesh to external forces such as China or Pakistan lacks evidence and does not reflect the complexities of the situation. The evolving regional dynamics will likely push India further into isolation unless there is a strategic reassessment and a shift towards more constructive and diplomatic engagement with its neighbors.