Prof. M. Nazmul Islam says Bangladesh now has true hope of a representative democracy after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, during whose rule it was common for anyone who spoke against the government to be abducted, subjected to extrajudicial killings or imprisoned.
For the first time since gaining independence in 1971, the people of Bangladesh are now truly experiencing democracy following the ousting of the authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
Hasina’s nearly 17-year rule was marked by the absence of democracy, freedom and the rule of law for the ordinary Bangladeshi citizen.
Hasina has long been accused of implementing repressive authoritarian measures against her political opponents, critics and the media. During her regime, it was common for anyone who spoke against the government to be abducted, subjected to extrajudicial killings or imprisoned.
Finding justice and securing one’s rights was rare and seemingly an unattainable dream during her rule.
Democracy was relegated to being a museum relic, with people finding peace only through complete obedience to her rule. Rights groups estimate that since Hasina returned to power in 2009, there have been at least 600 cases of enforced disappearances and hundreds more extrajudicial killings.
Bangladesh’s security forces have long been accused of serious abuse and torture. In 2021, the U.S. sanctioned the Rapid Action Battalion, a notorious elite police unit, citing its involvement in brutal extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
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From protests to people’s movement: Why and how?
Understanding Hasina’s regime is crucial to recognising why this revolt had the full support of the common people. Although the protest initially began as a student movement against discrimination, it evolved into a broader people’s movement within a week.
The turning point came during a news conference on July 14, when Hasina was asked by a reporter about the student protests against job quotas, which had been ongoing for over a week. In response, Hasina said: “If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don’t receive (quota) benefits, who will? The grandchildren of Razakars?”
Her comments triggered protests almost immediately. Students perceived her remarks as a dismissive response to their efforts to address the “unfair” quota system in government jobs, which allocated approximately 30% of positions to the descendants of the 1971 liberation war’s freedom fighters. Within hours, students began protesting, marching through Dhaka University’s campus, and chanting the provocative slogan: “Who are you? I am Razakar.”
Hasina’s response was heavy-handed, involving her party’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), and the police to suppress the protests. This approach led to significant violence on July 16, resulting in six deaths.
Over the following four days, more than 200 people — primarily students and ordinary citizens — were killed as police and armed BCL cadres used live ammunition. Rather than addressing the violence, Hasina focused on the damage to government property, including the metro rail and state-owned television buildings. As a result, the protesters’ demands eventually consolidated into a single one: Hasina’s resignation.
Ultimately, the killing of nearly 1,000 students and the imprisonment of around 15,000 individuals, including activists, political leaders, and ordinary citizens, made this people-driven revolution inevitable.
The protesters, especially students, had no alternative but to continue their revolt. If they had ceased their protests, it was clear they would face abduction or death at the hands of state forces and Hasina’s political party, the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL).
Bangladesh is in transition
It is now evident that Hasina has resigned and escaped from the country after weeks of student-led protests escalated into deadly, nationwide unrest.
Although the Army Chief has assumed power, it is clear that his intention is to transfer authority to a civilian government. He is currently engaging in discussions with opposition parties, civil society members, academics, journalists, and student leaders who led the protests over the past three weeks.
Meanwhile, student leaders have requested the army chief nominate Muhammad Yunus, a professor and Nobel Peace Laureate, as the head of the interim government. However, it remains uncertain how the Army General will address the current crisis.
What is clear is that he must find a resolution, as remaining in power indefinitely is not an option. At present, establishing an interim or caretaker government is the immediate priority, with the aim of organising free and fair elections, which are expected to occur possibly within the next three months.
Bangladesh 2.0: A new path
For Bangladesh, establishing a peaceful and secure environment is currently the highest priority. To ensure human dignity, equality, and justice, a democratic government is essential.
The formation of a democratic government should include ongoing discussions and representatives from the interim government who reflect all political ideologies — rightist, leftist, nationalist, conservative, liberal, secular and Islamist.
This inclusivity will help Bangladesh progress towards free and fair elections. Moreover, whoever assumes power must guarantee justice and prevent any return to dictatorship by revising and reforming the current constitution.
A robust “checks and balances” system among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches will be crucial for safeguarding human rights and justice. Additionally, an independent judiciary will be a key factor in maintaining a long-lasting peaceful environment in Bangladesh.
As a relatively small, minor but emerging country in Asia, particularly in South Asia, Bangladesh should now focus on enhancing its international cooperation. Regardless of whether it is the interim government or a future democratic administration, it is clear that Bangladesh needs more allies and friends, rather than enemies.
Amid competition among regional and global powers such as China, India, the U.S., and EU, the future government must adopt a strategic approach to balance relations with all these powers. Bangladesh should avoid becoming a battleground for emerging and dominant global powers, as this could lead to further chaos and crises.
To ensure economic stability, it is crucial to maintain the flow of remittances from the Bangladeshi diaspora, protect the garment industry, and secure both foreign direct investment and official development assistance. Moreover, preserving fundamental and human rights will be indispensable for safeguarding human dignity and ensuring lasting peace in Bangladesh.
The author is head of Türkiye, Asia, and Indo-Pacific studies at the Institute for International Relations and Strategic Research at Yildirim Beyazit University in the Turkish capital Ankara and an associate professor at the same university.
