Commentary: Bangladesh students revolt, but wider anti-government movement seems unlikely

RISING RADICALISM

So, will the protests escalate into a broader movement for change in the country?

In fact, Bangladesh has a rich history of student activism that has led to significant political change. One of the most notable examples came in 1952, when Pakistani officials announced that Urdu would become the sole national language of Pakistan. In response, students at the University of Dhaka organized a protest that led to widespread civil unrest, and eventually Bengali was recognized as an official language.

However, student movements in Bangladesh have been successful in the past because they took place in the context of an organized political opposition, relatively independent state institutions, and a strong civil society led by academics. For example, opposition parties supported student movements that challenged the government by providing resources, strategic guidance, and legitimacy for the protests.

This time, the opposition is weak, many of its leaders are in jail, and the government has taken control of state institutions. On July 23, the government blamed the British National Party for the ongoing violence and threatened more repression against political opponents.

If these protests are to grow into a wider movement, they will have to be led by students themselves, which could result in a huge loss of life.

Shahzad Uddin is Professor of Accounting at the University of Essex. First appearance In conversation.