august 5, 2024, saw Sheikh Hasina step down as prime minister of Bangladesh. She left the country almost immediately after student demonstrations that started last month grew into a movement demanding her removal. The prime minister of bangladesh obtained safe passage via india and is probably going to apply for asylum in the UK.
A few aspects are highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's sudden resignation, which came about after she had held the position for more than 15 years. First, there cannot be a trade-off between liberties and economic progress as measured by GDP or the construction of physical infrastructure. Earlier this year, in january 2024, Hasina was elected to a fourth term as PM.
She held the position of PM from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024. Without question, Hasina oversaw phenomenal economic progress, but she also came under fire for allegedly becoming an increasingly authoritarian figure. She was accused of manipulating the january 2024 election, and the brutally suppressing protesters was the final straw for her. For the relatives of "Muktijoddhas," or those who participated in Bangladesh's 1971 independence struggle, the demonstrations were directed against quotas. The brutal suppression of these protests claimed the lives of 300 individuals. On august 4, 2024, violent anti-government protests claimed the lives of 98 individuals, including 14 police officers. Hasina's resignation was demanded by demonstrators, and some are reported to have yelled "down with the autocrat."
Growing dissatisfaction with Hasina has also been attributed to growing unemployment (an estimated 18 million young people in bangladesh lack a job), rising prices, and the collapse of the country's textile industry in South Asia.
"I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country," stated army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, who would help put together an interim government. I accept full responsibility and swear to keep your life and belongings safe. Your requests will be met. Please help us and put an end to violence. Together, we can make progress towards an appropriate resolution. Violence will never get us anywhere."
The US has lauded the army for its restraint, while also pitching for an inclusive government.
Hasina’s exit and the ramifications for India
It is not good news from an indian perspective that Hasina was removed, as it was seen to be pro-Indian. Many in New delhi really believe that china and pakistan were behind the protests, and they fear that with Sheikh Hasina gone, both nations may establish a significant presence in bangladesh (the previous prime minister had said that the BNP and Jamaat-E-Islaami were behind the riots). Promptly, New delhi sent out a warning along Bangladesh's border.
Although praising the Bangladeshi army for its self-control, the US has demanded that it establish an "inclusive" and "democratic" temporary administration.
Takeaways
There are several things to keep in mind. It is crucial to avoid investing in a single leader, particularly if that leader is unpopular at home, even though each nation has its own interests and has leaders who may be cordial. Furthermore, even while it's true that local politicians occasionally engage in hyperbole and posturing, no party in power can afford to have poor ties with India. The maldives is a prime example. At first, President Mohammed Muizzu, who was seen as pro-China, made remarks that were critical of India. Soon after becoming president, Muizzu went to china and referred to india as a tyrant.
During a meeting with prime minister Modi in march 2024, he phoned india, the Maldives' closest friend, and requested debt relief (in May 2024, india sent the maldives financial help of $50 million). In june 2024, he was present at PM Modi's inauguration. Most recently, he expressed gratitude to china and india for their assistance in mitigating the Maldives' debt payments. During roadshows in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and delhi, the maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), and the National Hotels and Guest house Association of maldives (NHGAM) attempted to attract indian tourists.
A few aspects are highlighted by Sheikh Hasina's sudden resignation, which came about after she had held the position for more than 15 years. First, there cannot be a trade-off between liberties and economic progress as measured by GDP or the construction of physical infrastructure. Earlier this year, in january 2024, Hasina was elected to a fourth term as PM.
She held the position of PM from 1996 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2024. Without question, Hasina oversaw phenomenal economic progress, but she also came under fire for allegedly becoming an increasingly authoritarian figure. She was accused of manipulating the january 2024 election, and the brutally suppressing protesters was the final straw for her. For the relatives of "Muktijoddhas," or those who participated in Bangladesh's 1971 independence struggle, the demonstrations were directed against quotas. The brutal suppression of these protests claimed the lives of 300 individuals. On august 4, 2024, violent anti-government protests claimed the lives of 98 individuals, including 14 police officers. Hasina's resignation was demanded by demonstrators, and some are reported to have yelled "down with the autocrat."
Growing dissatisfaction with Hasina has also been attributed to growing unemployment (an estimated 18 million young people in bangladesh lack a job), rising prices, and the collapse of the country's textile industry in South Asia.
"I have met Opposition leaders and we have decided to form an interim government to run this country," stated army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, who would help put together an interim government. I accept full responsibility and swear to keep your life and belongings safe. Your requests will be met. Please help us and put an end to violence. Together, we can make progress towards an appropriate resolution. Violence will never get us anywhere."
The US has lauded the army for its restraint, while also pitching for an inclusive government.
Hasina’s exit and the ramifications for India
It is not good news from an indian perspective that Hasina was removed, as it was seen to be pro-Indian. Many in New delhi really believe that china and pakistan were behind the protests, and they fear that with Sheikh Hasina gone, both nations may establish a significant presence in bangladesh (the previous prime minister had said that the BNP and Jamaat-E-Islaami were behind the riots). Promptly, New delhi sent out a warning along Bangladesh's border.
Although praising the Bangladeshi army for its self-control, the US has demanded that it establish an "inclusive" and "democratic" temporary administration.
Takeaways
There are several things to keep in mind. It is crucial to avoid investing in a single leader, particularly if that leader is unpopular at home, even though each nation has its own interests and has leaders who may be cordial. Furthermore, even while it's true that local politicians occasionally engage in hyperbole and posturing, no party in power can afford to have poor ties with India. The maldives is a prime example. At first, President Mohammed Muizzu, who was seen as pro-China, made remarks that were critical of India. Soon after becoming president, Muizzu went to china and referred to india as a tyrant.
During a meeting with prime minister Modi in march 2024, he phoned india, the Maldives' closest friend, and requested debt relief (in May 2024, india sent the maldives financial help of $50 million). In june 2024, he was present at PM Modi's inauguration. Most recently, he expressed gratitude to china and india for their assistance in mitigating the Maldives' debt payments. During roadshows in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and delhi, the maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO), and the National Hotels and Guest house Association of maldives (NHGAM) attempted to attract indian tourists.
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