Do Not Underestimate The Students Of Bangladesh

Bangladesh leader Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, leaving the violence hit streets convulsed in wild celebration. Hasina who is currently in India, looking for asylum somewhere, had shed her democratic mantle 15 years ago when she arrested her closest rival Khaleda Zia and the Opposition to ensconce herself in unbridled power in Dhaka. She turned more and more autocratic as the months changed into years, looking to world capitals for support even as she lost popularity at home. New Delhi, Beijing, and other such interested nations extended that support and despite the growing anger at home over highly unpopular decisions, she established herself in power without any Opposition.

The older generation resigned itself, but the young with a future ahead, were not so tolerant. And after a decade and a half the students emerged on the streets, protesting against Hasina’s arbitrary quota system. As authoritarianism robs leaders of the ability to converse and dialogue with the people, Hasina too acted true to form and instead of talking to the students, cracked down on them. A small student protest against reserved quotas for government jobs changed into a huge movement with the Awami League decision to subdue the protests by violence leading to 300 deaths. At least 93 persons, according to the local media, died in a single day of violence on Sunday. The result was a people's uprising with a ‘march to Dhaka’ being announced.

The people started converging to march to the capital of Bangladesh. It was around this time that Sheikh Hasina panicked, and again from reports, was provided a safe passage by the Bangladesh Army in a military plane that brought her to India’s Hindon Air Force base. She was met by the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and is currently here, while she looks for asylum. The second part of her journey, if at all, is still unclear. But it was a sad departure for a woman who had reached Dhaka as the elected president of the Awami League, 43 years ago, in a military helicopter with flowers and laurels and celebrations. A trajectory that turned completely sour, as the scenes of jubilation and sheer celebration on the streets demonstrated after the Army confirmed her resignation and departure.

India has indeed lost a friend. Bangladesh was one of the successes of the government’s foreign policy and Sheikh Hasina, being her fathers daughter, enjoys considerable goodwill here. She had met not just Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her last official visit here, but also was seen locked in a warm embrace with Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi who both welcomed her with affection. However, this did not help her at home with even her support base rising against her policies.

It is thus important for India to judge the situation properly and not allow political sentimentality to upset the apple cart. The social media is already twisting facts and pointing fingers at the right wing Islamists in Bangladesh as being responsible for her exit. And warning whoever cares to listen of Army rule. The radical Jamaat is out on the streets of course, as are the more progressive forces as well. The Army has announced that it is in talks for an interim government, and has released jailed Opposition leader Khaleda Zia (always inimical to New Delhi) as a first gesture.

But the second, more important fact is that the students who led the stir plan to stay in command. And have made it clear that they will not allow the movement to be upstaged by the politicians or the military. As a first they have ensured the appointment of Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus as an advisor to the new government. He has accepted the offer. The students have also made it clear that they will present a plan for the formation of the interim government. Meanwhile all are working to ensure calm as the people wait for their new government, and what some have gone on the record to the local media to say, “a return to democracy.”

It is important therefore for neighbouring countries not to jump to conclusions and recognise the role of the younger generation in trying to bring their country back on even keel. Students are taking the lead across the world to protect freedoms, such as in the US and UK where they have been staging huge protests for the Palestinians rights, calling upon Israel to cease and desist. Increasing polarisation being promoted by the political class seems to have had a reverse impact on the younger generation that is uniting for rights and for a better future. In India not so long ago the students came together in huge protests across Delhi, West Bengal and elsewhere. Even more recently young adults were on the streets in states like Uttar Pradesh against paper leaks, and demonstrated their anger through the ballot box.

The students of Bangladesh were not following political instructions when they started their protests against the quota system. It is imperative to ensure they remain free of such control, and that can only be if they receive the support of their people and the world in this time of acute crisis. Finger pointing will only help the radicals, and the Army, but a smooth transition to a democratic government will bring Bangladesh back on the rails.