2024 marks a significant upheaval in Bangladeshi politics, the most notable since 1971. After wielding power for nearly 16 consecutive years, Sheikh Hasina, who served as Prime Minister for four terms, was forced to resign following a student-led public uprising. In the aftermath, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government. This mass uprising has profoundly shaken every aspect of society and the state, disrupting established norms, beliefs, philosophies, values, traditional politics, and culture. It has fostered an environment ripe for extensive changes in various sectors. The country is now facing both new opportunities and dangers.
The year commenced with the 12th National Assembly elections, held on January 7, 2024.
These elections proceeded despite criticism from major global powers, including the United States, as well as a boycott by the main opposition parties. In this largely one-sided election, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League achieved an absolute victory for the fourth consecutive time. The Jatiya Party and some independent candidates alleged widespread electoral rigging.
Despite the criticisms and protests, the Awami League established its government for a fourth consecutive term. Shortly thereafter, media reports began to surface concerning corruption involving police officers and bureaucrats, particularly allegations against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. One scandal that drew significant attention involved an officer from the National Board of Revenue, Matiur Rahman, who was criticized for purchasing a goat for his son’s sacrifice during Eid al-Adha at an exorbitant price of 1.2 million taka from Sadiq Agro in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. This raised questions about the sources of Matiur Rahman’s wealth.
Amid these corruption scandals, the quota reform movement emerged as a key issue in Bangladesh throughout 2024. On June 5, 2024, the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruled that the government’s circular abolishing quotas, issued on October 4, 2018, was illegal, reigniting discussions around quota reform. Initially confined to meetings and gatherings, the quota movement gained momentum following a speech by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 14. Violence broke out as discontent escalated, eventually culminating in a mass uprising. On August 5, 2024, under mounting pressure, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country. This marked a pivotal turning point in Bangladesh’s political history.
The rapid evolution of what began as a seemingly minor demand for quota reform into a significant uprising within a matter of days is striking. This upheaval was fueled by widespread anger towards those in power. Public dissatisfaction had been simmering due to various factors, including soaring prices, limited job and business opportunities, and rampant corruption and money laundering. There were also restrictions on freedom of expression and political repression, which further exacerbated the situation. The general populace had grown increasingly frustrated with the extortion and aggressive power tactics employed by Awami League supporters for over fifteen years. The excessive use of force by the authorities to suppress protests led to numerous casualties among students and the public, intensifying the protests’ fervor.
Following the government’s collapse in August, the Awami League-a party with a long and storied history-bore the brunt of public outrage. They came to power in 2008 through a military-backed government and subsequently consolidated control by holding the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary elections in 2014, 2018, and 2024, respectively. Throughout this period, allegations of murder and disappearances involving political opponents surfaced, alongside accusations of arrogance, nepotism, and a culture of impunity within the party. The primary demand of the anti-discrimination student movement-a straightforward issue-remained unresolved, largely due to the government’s obstinacy and the dismissive attitudes of its leaders.
Bangladeshi politics has always been complex, and it has become even more so in recent times. After Sheikh Hasina left the country due to a mass uprising among students and the general populace, the Awami League has effectively diminished in stature within Bangladeshi politics. The traditional party has faced significant decline due to its failure to understand the concerns of students, the masses, and ordinary citizens, coupled with an attitude of overconfidence and arrogance. Many of the party’s top leaders have fled the country, while some have been arrested while attempting to leave. Numerous prominent figures are currently facing trials related to serious allegations, and most leaders are in hiding. The Awami League is currently under scrutiny for accusations of genocide.
In this political vacuum, various groups are now stepping in. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the largest and most organized political entity, asserting its dominance during this crisis period for its long-standing rival, the Awami League. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is also striving to establish a significant presence in the political arena. The competition among various parties, including the Islamic Front and a newly formed party representing students and youth from the anti-discrimination movement, has sparked important discussions within the political landscape. The new party’s manifesto, released on the last day of the year, has triggered widespread debate and criticism. Whether this group of students and youth can become the focal point of new politics or will falter against established parties remains uncertain, and the future of the country’s politics hinges on this outcome.
It is worth noting that the interim government has struggled to navigate the delicate situation in the country, even after five months in office. There have been no significant improvements in law and order or public safety, and the government has failed to control rampant inflation. Political parties are demanding early elections, while the government claims it supports essential reforms in political, administrative, constitutional, economic, and institutional areas to facilitate a meaningful democratic transition. However, the government’s commitment to these reforms has yet to materialize, with initiatives mostly limited to personnel changes. Their actions have included dismissals, appointments, transfers, and the shifting of legal cases against opponents, rather than substantial reform.
Thus far, the only noticeable changes have been in the education curriculum, a trend that seems to recur with each new administration. This has become a ritual in our country-when a new government takes office, they often prioritize educational changes above all else. Unfortunately, there is still no clear plan for radically reforming the state’s character. Despite ongoing discussions about creating an inclusive Bangladesh to counter divisions, there remains a lack of clarity regarding what this would entail.
Historically, dissenters against the Awami League have been labeled derogatorily as ‘kings’; now this has evolved into terms like ‘accomplice of fascism’ or ‘agent of the Awami League.’ The society of Bangladesh is already deeply fragmented on various issues, and how to cultivate unity from this division remains a crucial question. There is no initiative in place to clarify this matter. Supporters of the July Uprising display some confusion concerning the Liberation War, and freedom fighters face persecution and marginalization, which is detrimental to national unity.
Protests have erupted featuring individuals with the Bangladesh flag tied to their heads, signaling defiance. The more the architects behind this display are marginalized, the greater the divisions will become. Incidents of violence against ethnic and religious minorities, including the burning of homes, continue to occur. Mob trials, assaults on religious shrines, and instances of mob violence in the presence of police forces are still being reported. Instead of investigating and prosecuting these acts, there is a troubling tendency to deny their occurrence. Is it possible to establish an inclusive Bangladesh if these issues remain unresolved?
As we enter the new year, we do so with many concerns, anxieties, and unresolved issues. The future of our politics relies on effectively harnessing the potential created by the previous regime and its leadership. If responsible individuals make timely decisions and take initiative, the pervasive fear clouding our nation may dissipate, allowing for the emergence of a new dawn. The citizens of this country are hopeful and waiting for that transformation.