Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
Bangladesh is currently witnessing a transformative wave of student activism, a movement that has transcended its original goal of reforming the government job quota system to become a broader struggle for freedom and justice. This movement, spearheaded by the nation's youth, underscores their deep-seated frustrations with systemic inequalities and autocratic governance.
Six months after a controversial election granted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a third consecutive victory, the government led by Sheikh Hasina is facing the most significant outbreak of public unrest in a decade. The January elections were marked by an opposition boycott, but the current challenge comes from university students with no clear political affiliation. The movement gained momentum after a cabinet minister referred to the students as "grandsons of Razakars" (collaborators). In response, the general secretary of the ruling party deployed the party's student wing to forcibly disperse the protesters, but this effort ultimately failed.
The students have been protesting since the beginning of July, demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs that allocates 56% to applicants from special categories and the remaining 44% to general applicants. That, students say, discriminates against most applicants with the required qualifications. Later they have taken to the streets to demand justice for the more than 200 people killed in last month’s student-led demonstrations over quotas in government jobs.
Notably, government jobs have become the most coveted form of employment due to their higher salaries, additional perks, job security, and greater power. Though the official unemployment rate is only 3.53 per cent, youth unemployment stands at eight per cent, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The percentage of youth aged 15- 24 years who are not in employment, education, and training is 40.67 per cent. In a skewed labour market, the opportunity for decent employment is limited, due to which 84.9 per cent of jobs are in the informal sector where income and job security are low.
Another factor that triggered the student movement against the Hasina government, is that many of these Gen-Z students could not participate in the national election under Sheikh Hasina’s regime. As first-time voters, they have become disillusioned with the Awami League, the party that led the Liberation War in 1971 for the freedom of then-East Pakistan. Most election observers, including the United States, share the view that these elections were neither free nor fair, and they regret that not all parties participated. The United States and many EU states condemned the violence that occurred during the elections and in the months leading up to them.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration eventually promised to review and reform the quota system. However, the slow and ambiguous implementation of these promises further exacerbated the students' frustrations, leading many to question the government's commitment to genuine reform. As the government's crackdown intensified, the movement's focus began to shift. What started as a call for quota reform evolved into a broader demand for democratic rights and governance reforms. Students and activists began to decry the concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
This shift was particularly evident during the student-led road safety protests in August 2018, sparked by the tragic deaths of two students in a traffic accident. The government's brutal response to these protests, which included the use of live ammunition and the deployment of pro-government vigilante groups, galvanized the movement further. Protesters started chanting slogans against the Prime Minister, calling her a dictator and demanding her resignation.
The escalating protests have drawn significant attention from the international community. Human rights organizations, foreign governments, and global media outlets have condemned the government's actions and called for restraint and dialogue. The European Union and the United States have expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh, urging the government to respect the rights of its citizens.
Domestically, the movement has garnered support from various civil society groups, opposition parties, and prominent intellectuals. There is a growing consensus that the current administration's approach is untenable and that meaningful reforms are necessary to address the underlying issues. The ongoing student protest in Bangladesh has become much more than a fight for quota reform; it has morphed into a symbol of resistance against autocracy and a fight for freedom. The students' resilience and determination in the face of repression highlight their unwavering commitment to a more just, transparent, and democratic society. Their struggle embodies the aspirations of a generation that refuses to be silenced and is willing to stand up for their rights and future.
Bangladesh's student movement has rapidly transformed into a broader fight for freedom, as parents, freedom fighters, and people from all walks of life join the movement. Initially centred on reforming the quota system in government jobs, the movement has evolved into a larger struggle against perceived autocratic governance.
The Bangladesh students' quota movement has transcended its original goals, evolving into a broader struggle against perceived dictatorial governance. This pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history underscores the critical need for democratic reforms
The student movement in Bangladesh represents a pivotal moment in the nation's history. As the protests continue, they underscore the critical need for democratic reforms and the importance of listening to the voices of the youth. The outcome of this movement could shape the trajectory of Bangladesh's democracy for years to come, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a population striving for genuine liberty and justice.
The students' quota movement has evolved into a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism in Bangladesh. It has highlighted the frustrations of a young and dynamic population eager for change and better opportunities. As the government grapples with this growing unrest, it faces a crucial decision: engage in meaningful dialogue and reform or continue on a path of repression and risk further destabilisation.
The student protests in Bangladesh are rapidly transforming into a broader fight for freedom, as parents, freedom fighters, and people from all walks of life join the movement. Initially centred on reforming the quota system in government jobs, the movement has evolved into a larger struggle against perceived autocratic governance.
As the government's heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrations continues to escalate, students and activists have shifted their focus towards demanding democratic rights, justice, and transparency. This burgeoning movement now embodies the aspirations of a generation yearning for a more equitable and free society, symbolizing a powerful stand against oppression and the quest for genuine liberty.
The future of Bangladesh's democracy may well hinge on the outcome of this struggle. The students have shown that they are not merely fighting for quota reform but for a more just, transparent, and democratic society. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of youth and the quest for a better future.
The Bangladesh students' quota movement has transcended its original goals, evolving into a broader struggle against perceived dictatorial governance. This pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history underscores the critical need for democratic reforms and the importance of listening to the voices of the youth. As the world watches, the outcome of this movement could shape the trajectory of Bangladesh's democracy for years to come.
(The writer is the Editor of THE BANGLADESH EXPRESS and Chairman of Bangladesh Journalists’ Foundation for Consumers & Investors- BJFCI)
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Bangladesh is currently witnessing a transformative wave of student activism, a movement that has transcended its original goal of reforming the government job quota system to become a broader struggle for freedom and justice. This movement, spearheaded by the nation's youth, underscores their deep-seated frustrations with systemic inequalities and autocratic governance.
Six months after a controversial election granted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a third consecutive victory, the government led by Sheikh Hasina is facing the most significant outbreak of public unrest in a decade. The January elections were marked by an opposition boycott, but the current challenge comes from university students with no clear political affiliation. The movement gained momentum after a cabinet minister referred to the students as "grandsons of Razakars" (collaborators). In response, the general secretary of the ruling party deployed the party's student wing to forcibly disperse the protesters, but this effort ultimately failed.
The students have been protesting since the beginning of July, demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs that allocates 56% to applicants from special categories and the remaining 44% to general applicants. That, students say, discriminates against most applicants with the required qualifications. Later they have taken to the streets to demand justice for the more than 200 people killed in last month’s student-led demonstrations over quotas in government jobs.
Notably, government jobs have become the most coveted form of employment due to their higher salaries, additional perks, job security, and greater power. Though the official unemployment rate is only 3.53 per cent, youth unemployment stands at eight per cent, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The percentage of youth aged 15- 24 years who are not in employment, education, and training is 40.67 per cent. In a skewed labour market, the opportunity for decent employment is limited, due to which 84.9 per cent of jobs are in the informal sector where income and job security are low.
Another factor that triggered the student movement against the Hasina government, is that many of these Gen-Z students could not participate in the national election under Sheikh Hasina’s regime. As first-time voters, they have become disillusioned with the Awami League, the party that led the Liberation War in 1971 for the freedom of then-East Pakistan. Most election observers, including the United States, share the view that these elections were neither free nor fair, and they regret that not all parties participated. The United States and many EU states condemned the violence that occurred during the elections and in the months leading up to them.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration eventually promised to review and reform the quota system. However, the slow and ambiguous implementation of these promises further exacerbated the students' frustrations, leading many to question the government's commitment to genuine reform. As the government's crackdown intensified, the movement's focus began to shift. What started as a call for quota reform evolved into a broader demand for democratic rights and governance reforms. Students and activists began to decry the concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
This shift was particularly evident during the student-led road safety protests in August 2018, sparked by the tragic deaths of two students in a traffic accident. The government's brutal response to these protests, which included the use of live ammunition and the deployment of pro-government vigilante groups, galvanized the movement further. Protesters started chanting slogans against the Prime Minister, calling her a dictator and demanding her resignation.
The escalating protests have drawn significant attention from the international community. Human rights organizations, foreign governments, and global media outlets have condemned the government's actions and called for restraint and dialogue. The European Union and the United States have expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh, urging the government to respect the rights of its citizens.
Domestically, the movement has garnered support from various civil society groups, opposition parties, and prominent intellectuals. There is a growing consensus that the current administration's approach is untenable and that meaningful reforms are necessary to address the underlying issues. The ongoing student protest in Bangladesh has become much more than a fight for quota reform; it has morphed into a symbol of resistance against autocracy and a fight for freedom. The students' resilience and determination in the face of repression highlight their unwavering commitment to a more just, transparent, and democratic society. Their struggle embodies the aspirations of a generation that refuses to be silenced and is willing to stand up for their rights and future.
Bangladesh's student movement has rapidly transformed into a broader fight for freedom, as parents, freedom fighters, and people from all walks of life join the movement. Initially centred on reforming the quota system in government jobs, the movement has evolved into a larger struggle against perceived autocratic governance.
The Bangladesh students' quota movement has transcended its original goals, evolving into a broader struggle against perceived dictatorial governance. This pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history underscores the critical need for democratic reforms
The student movement in Bangladesh represents a pivotal moment in the nation's history. As the protests continue, they underscore the critical need for democratic reforms and the importance of listening to the voices of the youth. The outcome of this movement could shape the trajectory of Bangladesh's democracy for years to come, symbolizing the enduring spirit of a population striving for genuine liberty and justice.
The students' quota movement has evolved into a symbol of resistance against authoritarianism in Bangladesh. It has highlighted the frustrations of a young and dynamic population eager for change and better opportunities. As the government grapples with this growing unrest, it faces a crucial decision: engage in meaningful dialogue and reform or continue on a path of repression and risk further destabilisation.
The student protests in Bangladesh are rapidly transforming into a broader fight for freedom, as parents, freedom fighters, and people from all walks of life join the movement. Initially centred on reforming the quota system in government jobs, the movement has evolved into a larger struggle against perceived autocratic governance.
As the government's heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrations continues to escalate, students and activists have shifted their focus towards demanding democratic rights, justice, and transparency. This burgeoning movement now embodies the aspirations of a generation yearning for a more equitable and free society, symbolizing a powerful stand against oppression and the quest for genuine liberty.
The future of Bangladesh's democracy may well hinge on the outcome of this struggle. The students have shown that they are not merely fighting for quota reform but for a more just, transparent, and democratic society. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of youth and the quest for a better future.
The Bangladesh students' quota movement has transcended its original goals, evolving into a broader struggle against perceived dictatorial governance. This pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history underscores the critical need for democratic reforms and the importance of listening to the voices of the youth. As the world watches, the outcome of this movement could shape the trajectory of Bangladesh's democracy for years to come.
(The writer is the Editor of THE BANGLADESH EXPRESS and Chairman of Bangladesh Journalists’ Foundation for Consumers & Investors- BJFCI)
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