Increasing political tensions in Bangladesh in recent months have inflicted deep social wounds on the country and attracted the attention of the international community. The violence during the large-scale protests that resulted in the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power has highlighted the inadequacies of protecting minority groups and protesters. During his visit to Bangladesh, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for an investigation into the killings and human rights violations during the protests and called for a national truth and healing process in the country. This call is seen as an important step not only for the reparation of the suffering and loss of life but also for the future stability of Bangladesh.[1]
Bangladesh has experienced economic growth in recent years, but this growth is facing some challenges. Food prices and inflation rates have risen in the country. There are also financial challenges internationally, such as declining foreign exchange reserves and rising external debt. In particular, global economic uncertainties (e.g. energy crises and supply chain issues) affect the Bangladesh economy. Moreover, although the textile industry remains the country’s largest export item, topics such as international competition and environmental sustainability can also affect the sector. Factors such as increased competition in the global market, demands for ecological sustainability, and rising labor costs may limit the future growth potential of this sector. In addition, factors such as the digitalization of international trade and automation may also negatively affect this sector.
Bangladesh’s youth population offers great potential in terms of the labor force, but their access to education and employment opportunities is limited. Gaps in the education system can create mismatches in the labor market and increase unemployment rates. In addition, rapid population growth can increase the demand for social services, complicating the country’s development. Bangladesh’s health, education, infrastructure, and social security systems are still developing. While the poverty rate is declining, income inequality and class disparities remain a major challenge. Inequalities in health and education can lead to social unrest.
Bangladesh has experienced increasing political polarization and tension in recent years. The country’s democratic institutions and the functioning of the rule of law pose great uncertainty in the long term. The weakening of key elements such as the rule of law, an independent judiciary and freedom of the press could undermine the country’s confidence in democracy. Bangladesh is trying to balance between the regional powers of India and China. While relations with India can pose challenges in areas such as border issues, water resource sharing and trade, economic ties with China (especially the Belt and Road Initiative) offer opportunities for infrastructure projects in the country. However, these relations can at times lead to geopolitical tensions.
Bangladesh has become a country of increasing political tensions in recent years. During Sheikh Hasina’s long rule, the crackdown on the opposition and allegations against her have created a great discontent among the people. This discontent manifested itself in massive protests in July and August, forcing Hasina to flee to India. Although the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner and economist Muhammad Yunus took over and the country entered a new era, the violence and deaths during this process left deep scars on the society. In particular, the excessive use of force against protesters and the deaths of many people, including children, led to the reaction of human rights organizations and the United Nations.[2]
At the end of his visit to Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the need to investigate human rights violations in the country. He called on the international community to take action to ensure justice for the victims of violence, while also emphasizing the importance of a truth and healing process for Bangladesh. Such a process would not only account for the events of the past, but also provide a basis for society to achieve peace and stability. Turk’s call can be interpreted as a strong message to the current interim administration to initiate and support this process.
The violence and deaths during the protests have once again highlighted the fragility of Bangladesh’s political structure. Minority groups in particular are among the most affected groups during such crises. Hindu, Buddhist and other religious minorities in the country have been targeted and left unprotected in different political crises since the past. At this juncture, Turk emphasized the importance of protecting minorities and called on the interim government and the international community to develop protection mechanisms for minorities. Ensuring the safety of minorities is essential not only for human rights but also for the long-term social peace of Bangladesh.
Such processes, which have been used in the past in countries such as South Africa and Chile, aim to enable societies to confront human rights violations in their history and ensure that similar events do not recur in the future. If Bangladesh embarks on a similar process, it will not only respond to the victims’ quest for justice, but will also allow society as a whole to learn from these events. However, the success of such a process will depend on the commitment of the interim government and all political actors to support it.
Bangladesh’s political future remains uncertain. The commitment of the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to restore democratic order and justice in the country is crucial. However, without pressure from the international community and the United Nations, it is unclear whether this process will proceed as intended. The situation in Bangladesh is being closely monitored by international observers and human rights organizations and continued international support is crucial to ensure political stability in the country.
[1] Singh Kanishka, “UN urges probe of killings in Bangladesh protests, minority protection”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/un-urges-probe-killings-bangladesh-protests-minority-protection-2024-10-30/, (Accessed: 01.11.2024).
[2] Ibid.
