On July 1, 2024, the mass uprising started by students in Bangladesh resulted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina having to resign and leave the country.[1] Thus, after many years of political instability, Bangladesh has entered a new era, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled to India.
It is stated that the main purpose of the protests led by students is the “quota” application in governmetn positions.[2] However, as a result of the analysis, many experts associate the attacks with “political motives”. It has been determined that the attacks caused the fall of the government headed by Hasina on August 5, 2024 occurred in approximately 52 provinces.[3] Additionally, more than 200 attacks against ethnic minorities have been recorded. It was announced that over 300 people, including students, police officers and civilians, have lost their lives as a result of the protests.[4]
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate and one of the main rivals of the Hasina government, announced the establishment of an interim government on August 8, 2024.[5] Dr. Yunus, a highly respected figure across the country, started his duty with the title of “Chief Advisor”, which is equivalent to the position of prime minister. Notably, many members of the 16-person advisory council he formed have backgrounds in non-governmental organizations. It has been announced that two positions in Dr. Yunus’s interim cabinet will be held by the students who led the protests.[6] The “interim government” led by Dr. Yunus, which replaced Hasina’s government, has condemned the attacks and continued its efforts to ensure the safety of the targeted civilians.[7]
The appointment of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of the newly established interim government is considered an important step toward rebuilding trust at the national level. Since he is an internationally recognized figure, Muhammad Yunus is thought to have the potential to legitimize the interim government.[8] In this context, Yunus’ leadership plays a critical role in terms of its acceptability at both national and international levels. However, the involvement of students in the new government may pose challenges in terms of their lack of management experience. On the other hand, it is vital for the political stability of Bangladesh that these young leaders develop effective management skills and support for the country’s democratization process in the future.
Yunus’ commitment to a peaceful approach appears to support the new government’s goals of ensuring stability. It is claimed that the aim of holding the elections within a few months and the emphasis on religious unity gave new hope to the society.[9] In addition, in a statement made before leaving Paris, he expressed his intention to observe the current situation and emphasized the need to avoid violence while highlighting the importance of societal unity. He also urged the public to remain calm.[10]
In response to the interim government, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is planned to return to the country with the announcement of the upcoming elections.[11] Upon her return to the country, Hasina emphasized that the protests must first be investigated, stating, “I demand an investigation into those behind these murders and acts of vandalism, and that the perpetrators be identified and given the necessary punishment.”[12] This statement represents Hasina’s first official statement made to the public after the events in question. In this context, Hasina’s statements clearly show the current political tension in Bangladesh. This call about the losses experienced is an important development in terms of transparency. In addition to this situation, with Hasina’s return to Bangladesh, it is expected that the tense political atmosphere will intensify and social confrontations will accelerate. Therefore, in this process, it is seen as essential for both the government and the society to reach a peaceful dialogue.
It can be said that the end of Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year rule has brought a great wind of change in the country. The protests against the Hasina government reflect the distrust towards the government and the quest for renewal, driven by the active participation of youth and various segments of society. It can also be said that the conflicts between protesters and government forces quickly turned into a broader rebellion, causing problems to deepen across the country.
Among the key tasks for the interim government in the current process will be to organize general elections and investigate the losses incurred during the protests. In this context, the interim government plays a critical role in providing the necessary environment for the upcoming elections and meeting social expectations.
As a result, in addition to the confusion in domestic politics, Bangladesh’s foreign policy, especially its relations with India, is also of great importance. Because India, which hosts Hasina in the current crisis, will proceed with its relations with the interim government established by Dr. Yunus.
[1] Krutıka Pathı, Al Emrun Garjon And Shonal Ganguly, “The Violence In Bangladesh After Hasina’s Ouster Stirs Fear Within The Country’s Hindu Minority”, The Associated Press, https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-violence-hindu-sheikh-hasina-85fe6619c38e1b07e407441cb054a74e, (Accessed Date: 15.08.2024).
[2] Krutıka Pathı, Al Emrun Garjon And Shonal Ganguly, “The Violence In Bangladesh…”, a.g.m.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Julhas Alam, “Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Takes The Helm In Bangladesh, To Seek Peace And Prepare Elections”, The Associated Press, https://apnews.com/article/bangladesh-yunus-hasina-student-protests-8e72489d3f05ab50f1ea4564e5ad23aa, (Accessed Date: 15.08.2024).
[5] Shafquat Rabbee, “After Hasina:..”, a.g.m.
[6] Julhas Alam, “Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus..”, a.g.m.
[7] Krutıka Pathı, Al Emrun Garjon And Shonal Ganguly, “The Violence In Bangladesh…”, a.g.m.
[8] “Bangladesh Chief Justice Agrees To Resign Amid New Student Protests”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/10/bangladesh-chief-justice-agrees-to-resign-amid-new-student-protests, (Accessed Date: 15.08.2024).
[9] Ibid.
[10] “Muhammad Yunus Heads Home To Lead Bangladesh Interim Government”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/7/nobel-winner-yunus-heads-home-as-bangladesh-prepares-for-interim-government, (Accessed Date: 15.08.2024).
[11]“Ex-Bangladesh PM Hasina Demands Probe Into Protest ‘Killings And Vandalism”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/13/ex-bangladesh-pm-hasina-demands-probe-into-protest-killings-and-vandalism, (Accessed Date: 15.08.2024).
[12] Ibid.
