Reasons Behind the Bangladesh Protest
The Quota system means a certain percentage of reservation in government exams, education, and employment for some groups. On June 5, 2024, the high court introduced a new Quota system. According to this quota system, 30% reservation for freedom fighters’ children or grandchildren, 10% reservation for women, 10% reservation for backward districts, 5% reservation for minorities, and 1% reservation for physical disabilities.
After the reinstatement of the quota system, the Bangladesh people do not support the quota system and massive protests all over the country. They want to reform the quota system again. This new quota system supports some groups unfairly and limits merit-based selection, inequality and discrimination. The protesters want to reform the quota system, reducing reservation percentages and introducing economic quotas for backward groups or regions. This protest is violent in many places. The government of Sheikh Hasina never talked with the protesters and took some decisive action by shutting down the internet and arresting protesters. Sheikh Hasina never wants to know what the students wish and order to thrash the students.
The Anti-Discrimination Student movement turned into the Anti-Government movement.
After the thrash of the students who protested against the quota system, the anti-discrimination student movement turned into an anti-government movement. According to the official, 83 students have died, and some were injured due to thrashing over the student protesters.
The leader of the anti-discrimination student movement was Dr Muhammad Yunus. Due to massive violence or people, all offices and educational institutes have been shut down until notice. Due to this massive protest, the high court reformed its quota system and reduced the reservation percentage for children or grandchildren of freedom fighters from 30% to 5%.
However, due to the violence from Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina government, which killed 83 students, this anti-discrimination student movement became an anti-anti-government movement. The students and all their families joined the protest against Sheikh Hasina Sarkar. Sheikh Hasina describes the protesters as terrorists. Mr Nahid, a student of Dhaka University and human rights defender, says against the Sheik Hasina party, the Awami League.
Escalation of Protest
This anti-discrimination student protest becomes an anti-government movement. Nahid’s capture, violence, and class between the government and protesters leads to a death count of over 300. Sheik Hasina ordered a national curfew, internet shutdown, thrashing against protesters, and forceful actions. This caused more violence and deaths.
The government’s heavy-handed decisions fueled anger and resistance in the protest. On August 5, 2024, the death count was 98. After that, the people of Bangladesh became angry and started walking towards the Bangladesh capital, Dhaka. The protesters began the Long March to Dhaka.Â
The protesters capture the residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh army pressurizes Hasina to resign. After their resignation, the people demolished many Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman structures and many leaders from the Mukti War in 1971. Sheikh Hasina and Her sister Rehana left Bangladesh, and the army took over the whole government immediately.
Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation & Interim Government
After Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Bangladesh’s army took overall control of the country. The Bangladesh army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladeshi president Mohammed Shahabuddin, and opposition parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e Islami, attended a meeting last evening.
The student leaders started protesting against the quota system and raised their voices against Sheikh Hasina’s Government, wanting a new interim government with Muhammad Yunus. Nahid Islam, one of the leaders of the student movement, agreed with this decision. After their resignation, Sheik Hasina left Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, in a military aircraft for India. Bangladeshi President Muhammad Shahabuddin ordered the release of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Impact on India
India and Bangladesh are neighbouring countries. Trade, Tourism, Healthcare, and Business depend on each other. Kolkata to Dhaka is one of the busiest flight routes. Bangladeshis come to Kolkata for a medical emergency. They use Haldia and Paradip ports for transport. India helps them by giving them vegetables and other necessities. Bangladeshi people started their businesses in India and made a profit. Bangladesh is one of the largest countries in the textile business. India gets shirts, pants, clothing, etc., at a cheap price.
Due to the massive protests and escalation, India’s national security was hampered. Border Security Force (BSF) imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the international border between Bangladesh and India. Meghalaya government imposes night curfew along the Indo-Bangladesh border. The CM of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, also said that she agreed with all the central government’s and army officials’ decisions for border security. All transport from India to Bangladesh was shut down for an uncertain period. Maitree Express and Mitali Express will not run for a short time. The Assam government issues a high alert in border districts. They asked district commissioners and the superintendent of police to monitor border security.
FAQ
Why did Sheikh Hasina’s resignation?
The student leaders started protesting against the quota system and raised their voices against Sheikh Hasina’s Government, wanting a new interim government with Muhammad Yunus.
What is the cause behind the Bangladesh crisis?
This anti-discrimination student protest becomes an anti-government movement. Nahid’s capture, violence, and class between the government and protesters leads to a death count of over 300.
Why is there a Student protest in Bangladesh?
After the thrash of the students protested against the quota system, the anti-discrimination student movement turned into an anti-government movement.
What is the new quota system in Bangladesh?
The high court reformed its quota system and reduced the reservation percentage for children or grandchildren of freedom fighters from 30% to 5%.
What is the current state of the Interim government of Bangladesh?
Bangladesh President Muhammad Sahabuddin, army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, and many leaders attended a meeting to introduce a new interim government.
How is Security alert on the India-Bangladesh border?
Due to the massive protests and escalation, India’s national security was hampered. Border Security Force (BSF) imposed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the international border between Bangladesh and India.
What is the Death toll in Bangladesh due to Student protests?
Nahid’s capture, violence, and class between the government and protesters leads to a death count of over 300.
Who will rule Bangladesh after Sheik Hasina?
The Bangladesh army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman.
How is the Violence in Bangladesh’s protest?
The violence from Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina government killed 83 students, and this anti-discrimination student movement became an anti-anti-government movement.
