In an unexpected turn of events, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned amidst intense nationwide protests over the contentious quota reform. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced in a national address on Monday that Hasina stepped down following weeks of violent demonstrations. These protests were primarily driven by students opposing a quota system that allocated 30 percent of government jobs to Bangladesh Liberation War veterans and their descendants.
Following Hasina’s resignation, General Zaman announced the formation of an interim government, which he intends to oversee. He pledged to hold those responsible for the upheaval accountable, emphasizing the nation’s economic challenges and the lives lost during the demonstrations. Zaman also urged citizens and students to uphold peace and order. In response, tens of thousands celebrated in the streets, defying a nationwide curfew that had been imposed in light of the unrest.
The saga began when Bangladesh’s High Court upheld the quota system in a July judgment, despite prior suspension by the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division. The judiciary had ruled that dismantling the quota was contemptuous, directing the government to reinstate quotas for freedom fighters’ descendants and various other groups. However, following an appeal, the Appellate Division reduced the quotas to 7 percent of government positions, with only 5 percent reserved for veterans’ families. Despite these adjustments, student protests continued, fueled by the deaths during earlier demonstrations.
In a broader context, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has expressed concern over the police’s treatment of protestors, describing it as “shocking” and “unacceptable”. He has urged the Bangladeshi government to adhere to international human rights norms, conduct transparent investigations into alleged violations, and foster a climate of dialogue to rebuild public trust.
The resignation of Sheikh Hasina marks a significant juncture in Bangladesh’s political landscape, and the international community will be closely watching how the interim government navigates these turbulent waters and addresses the country’s deep-rooted grievances.
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