The year 2024 will forever be etched in the annals of Bangladesh’s history as one of unparalleled political upheaval and transformation. From controversial elections to mass uprisings, international diplomatic stumbles, and the emergence of a Nobel laureate as a political figure, the country witnessed a cascade of momentous events that reshaped its trajectory. Below is a detailed recounting of the year’s defining developments.
The events of 2024 underscored the resilience of the Bangladeshi people in the face of adversity. From challenging entrenched power structures to demanding accountability, the year epitomized a collective aspiration for a more just and democratic future. With Dr. Yunus at the helm, the coming years hold the promise of rebuilding a nation grounded in transparency, equity, and progress. As the year draws to a close, the nation stands at a crossroads, poised for a new chapter in its history.
January: The ‘Dummy Elections’
On January 7, the 12th National Parliament elections were held amid widespread boycotts by major opposition parties such as BNP and Jamaat. To maintain the facade of competition, the ruling Awami League fielded ‘dummy candidates’-a term coined by its critics-against its own nominees. In a prearranged setup, the Jatiya Party assumed the role of the opposition, creating what critics derided as a “puppet parliament.”Despite securing a fourth consecutive term, the government’s grip was short-lived. Seven months later, an unprecedented student-led uprising ousted Sheikh Hasina’s administration, underscoring widespread public discontent.
June: Diplomatic setbacks, controversial rail transit deal
June marked a critical juncture in Sheikh Hasina’s international engagements. Her visit to India culminated in a rail transit agreement granting India passage for freight transport through Bangladesh. While celebrated by New Delhi, the agreement drew sharp domestic criticism, as longstanding bilateral issues like the Teesta water-sharing deal and border killings remained unresolved.The following month, Sheikh Hasina’s visit to China proved equally disappointing. Seeking financial support to bolster dwindling foreign reserves and fund development projects, Bangladesh received only a fraction of the requested $5 billion. This stark rejection underscored the waning influence of the Hasina administration on the global stage.
July-August: Quota movement and government’s fall
The reinstatement of the freedom fighter quota in government jobs, mandated by a High Court ruling on June 5, ignited a nationwide student protest. Initially peaceful, the movement escalated into violent clashes following police crackdowns and attacks by Chhatra League activists.Hasina’s dismissive comment on July 14, labeling protesters as “granddaughters of the king,” further fueled public outrage. The protests intensified, with students and citizens uniting in a historic uprising that culminated in the government’s collapse on August 5-poetically referred to as “July 36” by the protesters.
August-December: Rise of Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Amid the political chaos, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus emerged as a unifying figure. A caretaker government was established under his leadership, tasked with restoring stability and preparing for fresh elections. Dr. Yunus’s reputation as an advocate for good governance and social equity brought renewed hope to a nation weary of corruption and authoritarianism.
However, the year 2024 saw the culmination of months-long unrest in Bangladesh, leading to the dramatic fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government on what protesters termed “July 36” (August 5). The events leading to her resignation, marked by mass protests, violence, and a non-cooperation movement, have forever changed the nation’s political landscape.The reinstatement of the freedom fighter quota system in government jobs ignited a student-led movement that quickly gained nationwide momentum. Despite the government’s attempt to quell dissent by imposing a curfew, the five-day lockdown failed to stifle the protesters’ resolve. Although the curfew was gradually relaxed, educational institutions remained closed, and police began arresting student leaders under the guise of maintaining law and order.
The arrests sparked further anger among the student community, who organized creative protests like graffiti campaigns to condemn the government’s “daytime drama, nighttime detentions.” By early August, the movement had consolidated around nine key demands, including a public apology from the Prime Minister and the resignation of two senior ministers.
August 3: Rejected talks and rising tensions
On August 3, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended an invitation to the protesting students for talks at Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister. However, the protesters, viewing the offer as insincere, categorically rejected it. Instead, a massive gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar called for a single, uncompromising demand: the immediate resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her government.The following day, the protesters announced a nationwide non-cooperation movement. While Dhaka remained relatively peaceful, violence erupted in at least 11 districts, resulting in one fatality and widespread property damage.
August 4: Bloodshed and widespread clashes
As the non-cooperation movement gained momentum, the ruling Awami League declared its intention to counter the protests with mass rallies. This decision led to violent clashes across the country. In the bloodiest day of the year, over 100 people were killed, including 14 police officers and 19 Awami League members. The country was plunged into chaos, with public support overwhelmingly shifting toward the protesters.
August 5 (‘July 36’): The fall of Sheikh Hasina
The defining moment came on August 5-labeled “July 36” by the protesters as part of their reimagined calendar. Amid widespread unrest and the neutrality of the army, Awami League leaders and activists abandoned their posts, leaving Sheikh Hasina with no choice but to flee to India. Her departure marked the end of her controversial tenure as Prime Minister.That same day, jubilant crowds took to the streets in celebration. Ganabhaban was occupied by protesters, and nationwide festivities erupted as people distributed sweets and held victory processions.
August 8: Dr. Muhammad Yunus takes charge
Three days after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of an interim government. Tasked with guiding the nation through a turbulent transition, his administration faced immediate pressure from political parties demanding earlier elections. The interim government has since established reform commissions to address constitutional and electoral system overhauls, with national elections tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or mid-2026.
Path forward
While the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government has been celebrated as a victory for democracy, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The interim government under Dr. Yunus faces mounting demands from various factions, emphasizing the need for transparency and swift reforms. The people of Bangladesh, buoyed by their recent success, remain vigilant as they await the promise of fair elections and a new era of governance.This year will undoubtedly be remembered as a watershed moment in the history of Bangladesh, one defined by the resilience of its people and their unwavering demand for justice and accountability.
