Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, one of the world’s longest-serving female heads of government, has been both celebrated and criticized for her leadership. Known for her colorful saris and secular stance, Hasina has fought Islamic militancy and lifted millions out of poverty while maintaining diplomatic relations with both India and China. However, her leadership has also been marked by increasing authoritarianism, with rewards for loyalists and crackdowns on dissenters.
Recent student-led protests in Bangladesh, which began as a peaceful movement against job quotas favoring specific groups, have escalated into a significant challenge to Hasina’s authority. The government’s response, including the use of force by security forces and party vigilantes, has led to widespread violence and at least 150 deaths, though some estimates suggest the toll could be higher. A curfew has been imposed, and the military has been deployed to patrol streets, creating an atmosphere of fear and repression.
Protests have highlighted deep-seated issues in Bangladesh, including economic distress and perceived corruption. The government’s reliance on garment exports has faced challenges, and the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, has exacerbated economic woes. Amid this environment, government jobs have become a critical source of stability, and the reinstatement of quotas favoring veterans’ families has sparked outrage among young people who see the system as a form of political patronage.
Hasina’s response to protests has been characterized by a harsh crackdown, including internet shutdowns and mass arrests. The use of force by security agencies, including a paramilitary unit with a controversial history, has been widely condemned. The government’s actions have also drawn criticism from international diplomats, who have expressed concern over the use of UN peacekeeping resources in the crackdown.
The crisis has exposed deep divisions within Bangladesh and raised questions about the future of Hasina’s leadership. While her government has promised inquiries into deaths and reduced the number of jobs reserved for veterans, the situation remains volatile. Protesters, now focused on seeking justice for those killed, have vowed to continue the movement if their demands are not met. The outcome of this crisis may ultimately depend on the loyalty of the military and the government’s ability to address underlying grievances driving unrest.
- Bangladesh protests: Videos show police violence during protests BBC.com
- Bangladesh mourns some 200 deaths as student protests wind down and thousands are arrested The Hill
- Sheikh Hasina faces her biggest crisis in years The Economist
- Bangladesh student protests turn into ‘mass movement against a dictator’ The Guardian
- An Unbending Leader’s Crackdown Rains Carnage on Bangladesh The New York Times
