Tuesday, 17 September, 2024
Bangladesh has entered a new era of hope and change as long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, often criticized for her authoritarian rule, has fled the country.
This dramatic turn of events represents a major victory for the nation’s student movement, which has been leading the call for democratic reforms, accountability, and greater freedom.
In the face of a month-long student-led mass movement that claimed over 200 lives, former dictator Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina quietly left the country this morning and is now seeking political asylum in the UK. Her son Joy, a former ICT advisor told BBC that his mother Hasina will not make a political comeback.
The Awami League president and her sister Sheikh Rehana landed in India for a safe shelter after leaving Bangladesh in the wake of a civil uprising on Monday.
The news of Hasina's departure was met with celebrations across the country. In Dhaka, the capital, jubilant crowds filled the streets, waving national flags and chanting slogans of victory and freedom. Students, who had been the backbone of the movement, expressed a mix of relief, joy, and cautious optimism about the future.
"We have proven that the power of the people is greater than the people in power," said Shahana Rahman, a university student and one of the prominent faces of the movement. "This is just the beginning of our journey towards a truly democratic Bangladesh."
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin today asked the political parties to normalize the law and order situation in the country and stop looting and destructive activities.
"I ask the armed forces to take strict action to protect the lives and properties of the people," the President, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Division, told a televised address to the nation.
The Head of State urged everyone to come forward to ensure communal harmony and security of minorities and protect government properties as well. He requested everyone to play an effective role in keeping the country's economy, administration and industries running.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today held a meeting with political leaders to resolve the country's crisis. After the meeting in a press briefing, the army chief said justice would be ensured for all killings and injustice. "Keep trust in the army," he said, calling upon all to shun the path of violence and return home.
At the same time, the army chief said he would sit with the representatives of students and teachers soon.
The student movement which was generated from a genuine demand for reforming the existing quota system several months ago, was initially sparked by incidents of road safety negligence that led to the tragic deaths of two students.
What started as a localized demand for improved road safety quickly transformed into a broader movement calling for political accountability, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reforms.
As the movement gained momentum, thousands of students from universities and schools across Bangladesh joined forces, organizing mass rallies, sit-ins, and marches. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing and spreading awareness, with hashtags like #SaveBangladesh and #HasinaOut trending globally.
The government's initial response was marked by attempts to suppress the protests through force, leading to violent clashes between police and demonstrators. However, the resilience and determination of the students only grew stronger, attracting support from various sectors of society, including academics, professionals, and even international observers.
The tipping point came when several key institutions, including parts of the military and law enforcement, began expressing their discontent with the government's handling of the situation. Faced with mounting pressure and the possibility of losing control over the country's stability, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the unexpected decision to leave Bangladesh.
In a brief statement, Hasina cited the need to prevent further violence and ensure national stability as reasons for her departure. She emphasized her hope for a peaceful resolution and a future where the voices of young Bangladeshis are heard and respected.
The departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of the youth. As the nation stands on the brink of a new era, the world watches with hope and anticipation for a brighter, more democratic future for Bangladesh.
While the departure of Sheikh Hasina is a monumental achievement for the student movement, it also opens a new chapter filled with challenges. The immediate concern is the establishment of a transitional government that can guide the country towards free and fair elections. Ensuring that the political vacuum does not lead to instability or exploitation by opportunistic factions will be crucial.
International organizations and foreign governments have expressed their willingness to support Bangladesh during this transition period.
However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the people of Bangladesh to seize this opportunity to rebuild their nation on the foundations of democracy, transparency, and justice.
What Next?
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for a free, fair and impartial general election at the earliest, noting the moment when Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country after resigning from her premiership following a mass uprising as 'historic'.
Tarique made the call in a video message addressing the nation on social media on Monday.
Tarique Rahman (Born: 20 November 1967) is the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP. He previously served as the Senior Vice-Chairman and Senior Joint Secretary of the party.
Mr Rahman has witnessed Bangladesh’s liberation struggles and political upheavals and became a part of it. As a boy, he witnessed the harsh reality of Bangladesh's liberation struggle alongside his mother Begum Khaleda Zia.
During the war, when his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, declared Bangladesh's independence and launched a resistance movement to liberate the country in March 1971, he, his mother, and his brother were arrested along with the family members and wives of other Bengali military officers, only to be released on December 16, 1971, when his father and his compatriots won Bangladesh's victory. As a result, he was one of the youngest prisoners of war fighting for Bangladesh's liberation.
Bangladesh's victory today is not just the ousting of a dictator but a testament to the resilience and courage of its people. As the nation embarks on this new journey, the world watches with anticipation and hope that Bangladesh will emerge stronger, more democratic, and more just.
The events of today will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the history of Bangladesh, a day when the voice of the people triumphed over tyranny.
Comments
Bangladesh has entered a new era of hope and change as long-standing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, often criticized for her authoritarian rule, has fled the country.
This dramatic turn of events represents a major victory for the nation’s student movement, which has been leading the call for democratic reforms, accountability, and greater freedom.
In the face of a month-long student-led mass movement that claimed over 200 lives, former dictator Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina quietly left the country this morning and is now seeking political asylum in the UK. Her son Joy, a former ICT advisor told BBC that his mother Hasina will not make a political comeback.
The Awami League president and her sister Sheikh Rehana landed in India for a safe shelter after leaving Bangladesh in the wake of a civil uprising on Monday.
The news of Hasina's departure was met with celebrations across the country. In Dhaka, the capital, jubilant crowds filled the streets, waving national flags and chanting slogans of victory and freedom. Students, who had been the backbone of the movement, expressed a mix of relief, joy, and cautious optimism about the future.
"We have proven that the power of the people is greater than the people in power," said Shahana Rahman, a university student and one of the prominent faces of the movement. "This is just the beginning of our journey towards a truly democratic Bangladesh."
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin today asked the political parties to normalize the law and order situation in the country and stop looting and destructive activities.
"I ask the armed forces to take strict action to protect the lives and properties of the people," the President, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Division, told a televised address to the nation.
The Head of State urged everyone to come forward to ensure communal harmony and security of minorities and protect government properties as well. He requested everyone to play an effective role in keeping the country's economy, administration and industries running.
Earlier, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman today held a meeting with political leaders to resolve the country's crisis. After the meeting in a press briefing, the army chief said justice would be ensured for all killings and injustice. "Keep trust in the army," he said, calling upon all to shun the path of violence and return home.
At the same time, the army chief said he would sit with the representatives of students and teachers soon.
The student movement which was generated from a genuine demand for reforming the existing quota system several months ago, was initially sparked by incidents of road safety negligence that led to the tragic deaths of two students.
What started as a localized demand for improved road safety quickly transformed into a broader movement calling for political accountability, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reforms.
As the movement gained momentum, thousands of students from universities and schools across Bangladesh joined forces, organizing mass rallies, sit-ins, and marches. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing and spreading awareness, with hashtags like #SaveBangladesh and #HasinaOut trending globally.
The government's initial response was marked by attempts to suppress the protests through force, leading to violent clashes between police and demonstrators. However, the resilience and determination of the students only grew stronger, attracting support from various sectors of society, including academics, professionals, and even international observers.
The tipping point came when several key institutions, including parts of the military and law enforcement, began expressing their discontent with the government's handling of the situation. Faced with mounting pressure and the possibility of losing control over the country's stability, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the unexpected decision to leave Bangladesh.
In a brief statement, Hasina cited the need to prevent further violence and ensure national stability as reasons for her departure. She emphasized her hope for a peaceful resolution and a future where the voices of young Bangladeshis are heard and respected.
The departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of the youth. As the nation stands on the brink of a new era, the world watches with hope and anticipation for a brighter, more democratic future for Bangladesh.
While the departure of Sheikh Hasina is a monumental achievement for the student movement, it also opens a new chapter filled with challenges. The immediate concern is the establishment of a transitional government that can guide the country towards free and fair elections. Ensuring that the political vacuum does not lead to instability or exploitation by opportunistic factions will be crucial.
International organizations and foreign governments have expressed their willingness to support Bangladesh during this transition period.
However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the people of Bangladesh to seize this opportunity to rebuild their nation on the foundations of democracy, transparency, and justice.
What Next?
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for a free, fair and impartial general election at the earliest, noting the moment when Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country after resigning from her premiership following a mass uprising as 'historic'.
Tarique made the call in a video message addressing the nation on social media on Monday.
Tarique Rahman (Born: 20 November 1967) is the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP. He previously served as the Senior Vice-Chairman and Senior Joint Secretary of the party.
Mr Rahman has witnessed Bangladesh’s liberation struggles and political upheavals and became a part of it. As a boy, he witnessed the harsh reality of Bangladesh's liberation struggle alongside his mother Begum Khaleda Zia.
During the war, when his father, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, declared Bangladesh's independence and launched a resistance movement to liberate the country in March 1971, he, his mother, and his brother were arrested along with the family members and wives of other Bengali military officers, only to be released on December 16, 1971, when his father and his compatriots won Bangladesh's victory. As a result, he was one of the youngest prisoners of war fighting for Bangladesh's liberation.
Bangladesh's victory today is not just the ousting of a dictator but a testament to the resilience and courage of its people. As the nation embarks on this new journey, the world watches with anticipation and hope that Bangladesh will emerge stronger, more democratic, and more just.
The events of today will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point in the history of Bangladesh, a day when the voice of the people triumphed over tyranny.
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