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Bangladesh in chaos: What are the causes of the crisis?

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Bangladesh in chaos: What are the causes of the crisis?

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Bangladesh has been facing strong protests related to the quota system reform since last month. These demonstrations have caused deep social and political concerns. As a result, the country’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country amid an unprecedented political and social crisis.

His resignation ends a long political career marked by economic achievements as well as human rights controversies and the repression of dissent.

Quota system reform sparks controversy

The protests were sparked by the government’s proposal to reform the quota system in public employment and education.

The system reserves a percentage of jobs and education places for certain groups, including ethnic minorities, women and descendants of combatants. The reform proposals seek to modify those quotas, which has sparked controversy.

Opponents of the reform, including students and activists, argue that the amendment could harm minorities and historically disadvantaged groups.

They argue that the change could limit their employment and educational opportunities and exacerbate existing inequalities.

More than 500 people have been arrested in Dhaka over violence that has devastated Bangladesh and left 163 dead since students began protesting against civil service recruitment rules. Photo by FILIPO MONTFORT/AFP
Demonstrations in Bangladesh in July 2024 led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a violent political crisis. Photo by FILIPO MONTFORT/AFP (Filippo Montfort/AFP)

Violence is increasing exponentially

The uprising, which initially focused on quota reforms, soon expanded into a broader movement against Hasina’s government, turning Dhaka into a “battlefield” of fires and destruction on the streets.

On Sunday, 4 August, there was a sharp increase in violence, with at least 94 people killed in a single day, bringing the total number of victims since July to some 283.

To restore order, the government cut internet access and sent the army onto the streets.

However, the government’s response has been criticized for being too harsh, with some former military officers expressing support for the protesters, calling for troops to be withdrawn and for those responsible for the crisis to be brought to justice.

Sheikh Hasina falls

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged to transform Bangladesh into a “developed country.” However, high youth unemployment and a quota system questioned by the opposition reflect underlying tensions in her government.

Hasina has been criticized for jailing opponents and allegations of human rights violations.

The reinstatement of the quota system in June, which was partially abolished in 2018, became the final straw that broke the camel’s back, triggering a wave of protests in July. That outbreak of violence led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who left the country amid an unprecedented political and social crisis.

Thousands of anti-government protesters attacked the prime minister’s residence in the capital, Dhaka, on Monday. Television footage from a Bangladeshi channel channel twenty four They showed people grabbing chairs, overturning furniture and breaking glass doors.

Army Chief General Waq-Uz-Zaman announced in a televised address Prime Minister resignsThe 76-year-old has been in power since January 2009. The general also reported that he would form a “provisional government”.

A provisional government headed by a Nobel Peace Prize winner

Hasina’s departure leaves a major void in Bangladeshi politics. The army chief on Tuesday met student leaders who called on economist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.

Yunus expressed his willingness to take over as leader of the interim government.

In a statement issued by the British magazine economistPromises to ensure “free and fair elections in the coming months”.

After Yunus’ statement, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waq-Uz-Zaman announced that the Nobel laureate will take over the leadership of the interim government upon his return to the country on Thursday.

The general expressed confidence that Yunus would lead the country through the “democratic process” and noted that an inauguration ceremony was being organized.

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