Why Sheikh Hasina Had to Flee Bangladesh

Resignation of Sheikh Hasina:

On Monday 5 August, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following weeks of intense protests over job quotas. The protests had escalated, leading to significant unrest and pressure on the government. Sheikh Hasina exited via helicopter, landing at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi. This move shows the urgent situation and the need for immediate action.

Announcement by Army Chief:

Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced the resignation and stated, "We will now go to the president of the country, where we will discuss the formation of the interim government, form the interim government, and manage the nation."

1. This statement signaled a shift in power dynamics and the potential for a transitional phase in Bangladesh's governance.

Background of General Waker-Uz-Zaman:

1. Birth and Family:
   1. General Waker-Uz-Zaman was born in Dhaka in 1966. He is married to Sarahnaz Kamalika Zaman, the daughter of General Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman, who served as army chief from 1997 to 2000.
   2. General Rahman was a cousin-in-law of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, making General Waker-Uz-Zaman Sheikh Hasina's cousin-in-law.
2. Career:
   1. Before becoming army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman served as Chief of General Staff for over six months.
   2. He oversaw military operations, intelligence, Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping, and the defense budget.
   3. His extensive experience in these areas has equipped him to handle the complexities of military leadership.

Sheikh Hasina's Family Background:

1. Early Life: Sheikh Hasina was born into a Muslim family in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in 1947. Her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is known as the founding father and first president of Bangladesh. He played a crucial role in leading the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the new nation.
2. Family Tragedy: Sheikh Hasina had three brothers, all of whom were assassinated along with their parents on August 15, 1975. This tragic event left a profound impact on the family and the nation. Her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, was one of the only survivors of the 1975 assassination, as she was abroad at the time. The sisters have since been closely involved in political and social activities.

The Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 Background: Partition of India: In 1947, the British Indian Empire was partitioned into India and Pakistan based on religious lines. Two-Nation Theory: The creation of Pakistan was based on the idea that Muslims were a distinct nation and needed their own country. Geographical Disparity: Pakistan was divided into two geographically separated regions: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Economic and Political Disparity: West Pakistan dominated the political and economic landscape, leading to resentment and a growing sense of marginalization among East Pakistanis. Language Movement: The Bengali language movement in the 1950s highlighted cultural and linguistic differences between the two regions. The War: Election: In 1970, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a victory in Pakistan's national elections, demanding autonomy for East Pakistan. The military junta in West Pakistan refused to concede power, leading to widespread protests. Genocide: The Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971, unleashing a brutal crackdown on the Bengali population. Mass killings, rapes, and displacement followed. Mukti Bahini: The Bengali resistance forces, known as the Mukti Bahini, formed to fight for independence. Indian Involvement: India, concerned about the refugee crisis and the potential threat to its security, supported the Mukti Bahini and eventually intervened militarily in December 1971. Victory: The combined forces of the Mukti Bahini and the Indian Army defeated the Pakistani army, and Pakistan surrendered on December 16, 1971. Aftermath: Independence: Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation on December 16, 1971. Refugee Crisis: Millions of refugees returned to their homeland. Reconstruction: The new nation faced challenges of rebuilding and economic development.

Key Events in Family History:

1. Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: On August 15, 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, his wife, and their three sons were assassinated by army officials. This event marked a dark chapter in Bangladesh's history and had profound implications for the country's political landscape.
2. Exile and Return: Following the assassination, Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, were the only survivors, as they were abroad at the time. Hasina lived in exile in India before returning to Bangladesh in 1981. Upon her return, she assumed leadership of her father’s party, the Awami League, and began her political career.

Political Career of Sheikh Hasina:

1. Pro-Democracy Protests: Sheikh Hasina allied with other political parties to challenge the military rule of General Hussain Muhammed Ershad. Her leadership during the pro-democracy street protests brought her into the national spotlight, establishing her as a strong political figure.
2. First Term in Office (1996): Sheikh Hasina first assumed office in 1996. During her first term, she earned praise for signing a water-sharing deal with India and a peace agreement with tribal insurgents. These initiatives aimed to promote regional cooperation and internal stability.
3. Criticism: Despite her achievements, Hasina's government faced criticism for alleged corruption and being overly accommodating to India. These criticisms highlighted the challenges of governance and the need for transparency and accountability.
4. Loss of Power (2001): In 2001, Hasina lost power to Begum Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The rivalry between Hasina and Zia, known as the “battling begums,” led to significant political conflict, including violence and extrajudicial killings. This period was marked by intense political competition and instability.
5. Return to Power (2009): Hasina returned to power in 2009, during a caretaker government election. Despite numerous arrests, assassination attempts, and allegations of corruption, she remained a resilient political figure. Her ability to navigate political challenges and maintain her position reflects her political determination.

Achievements Under Hasina’s Leadership:

1. Economic Transformation: Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, Bangladesh has transformed from one of the world's poorest nations into one of the region's fastest-growing economies. This transformation has been driven by strategic economic policies and investments in key sectors.
2. Poverty Reduction: The country's per capita income has tripled in the last decade, with over 25 million people lifted out of poverty. This significant reduction in poverty levels reflects the government's commitment to inclusive economic growth and social development.
3. Garment Industry: The garment industry has been a major driver of Bangladesh’s economic growth, constituting the bulk of the country’s exports. The industry has provided employment opportunities and contributed to the country's economic prosperity.
4. Infrastructure Development: Hasina's government has invested heavily in infrastructure, including the $2.9 billion Padma Bridge across the Ganges. This project, funded through domestic funds, loans, and development aid, is a testament to the government's commitment to improving connectivity and facilitating economic activity.

Controversies and Challenges:

1. Job Quota Protests: The latest unrest in Bangladesh erupted over job quota reforms and expanded into broader anti-government protests. These protests highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among certain segments of the population with the government's policies.
2. Economic Difficulties: Economic difficulties, exacerbated by the pandemic, have led to inflation, declining foreign exchange reserves, and rising foreign debt. These challenges have undermined the previous economic successes and raised concerns about the government's ability to manage the economy effectively.

Quota System History:

1. Origins of the Quota System (1972 Introduction): After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the new government introduced a quota system to recognize and reward those who played a significant role in the liberation struggle. The system reserved 30% of government and semi-government jobs for the descendants of the freedom fighters who fought against Pakistani forces during the Liberation War. This included not just veterans but also their children and, later, their grandchildren.
2. Expansion and Modifications (2011 Extension): In 2011, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, the quota benefits were extended to include the grandchildren of freedom fighters. This was part of a broader policy to acknowledge the contributions of families who had been part of the independence movement.
3. Withdrawal of the Quota System (2018 Removal): In October 2018, the government decided to withdraw the quota system for freedom fighters, citing concerns about fairness and merit-based recruitment. This move aimed to streamline the recruitment process and address issues of nepotism and favoritism.
4. Legal Challenges and Recent Developments (June 5, 2024 - High Court Ruling): The High Court Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court ruled that the 2018 decision to remove the quota was arbitrary. The court reinstated the 30% quota after relatives’ of 1971 veterans filed petitions, arguing that they still represented one of the most disadvantaged groups in the country.
5. Quota Allocation: Following this ruling, 56% of government jobs were reserved for specific groups, including children and grandchildren of freedom fighters, women, and people from 'backward districts.'

Key Developments:

1. Anti-Government Movement: The massive protests have turned into a significant anti-government movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was voted back to power for a fourth consecutive term seven months ago.

2. Non-Cooperation Movement: The organizers of the students' protest called for a nationwide non-cooperation movement starting from Sunday (August 4). This movement includes refusing to pay taxes and utility bills, and the closure of government and private offices.

Ongoing Issues:

The debate over the quota system reflects broader issues related to employment fairness, historical recognition, and political dynamics in Bangladesh. The current unrest is fueled by these complex factors, including demands for reform and criticisms of both the quota system and the government's handling of the situation.

Conclusion:

Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh's Prime Minister after a 15-year tenure marked by significant economic growth but increasingly authoritarian rule. Despite notable achievements like substantial poverty reduction and major infrastructure projects, her government faced widespread criticism for corruption, repression of dissent, and worsening inequality. Student-led protests over job quotas quickly grew into a broader movement against her regime's heavy-handed tactics, leading to her dramatic departure.

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