Well, I think it is fair to say the last 24 hours can be viewed as a day of liberation in Bangladesh. It is not the first time the country has been liberated; let us not forget the December 1971 liberation.
To keep you fully informed, this article aims to give you a rundown of what has happened to date covering:
– The context and quota system related to government jobs
– The argument for and against the quota system
– The recent protests and demands
– The stepping down and fleeing of the Prime Minister after 15 years in power
– Bangladesh now, my warning and hopes for the country
The Context
– Bangladesh, officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is located in South Asia. Bangladesh…
– Is the eighth most populous country in the world with a population of nearly 170 million in an area of 148,460 square kilometres.
– Is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest.
– has one of the longest beaches in the world: Cox Bazar.
– has approximately 700 rivers flowing through, this also means it is one of the world’s hardest hit countries by climate change.
– has a strong industry and international trade is booming.
– Is viewed as a major powerhouse, supplying western countries in sectors such as garments and textile.
– On a personal note it is also the country I was born and I take great pleasure in sharing the fact I am Bangladeshi.
For all the country’s strengths and contribution, there has been major issues with the distribution of wealth creation; allocation and provisions in place. This is where the recent unrest began.
From my own personal experience walking through the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, I felt the blunt reality of the country….two realities living side by side. I witnessed countless SUVs and luxury cars driving through the roads of Dhaka. I later found out, some of these vehicles cost in the region of £400,000 each (a significantly high price tag due to import tax)…but this did not deter many. I saw a life of luxury, eateries, super malls…the largest mall I have ever see. Not far, I also saw the dusty streets, streets filled with garment factories with storms of workers going into work and leaving exhausted after a long hard gruelling day at work.
I saw the barefooted ‘Rickshaw’ driver (a Rickshaw is 2 or 3 wheeled cart attached to a cycle) pedalling for countless hours a day, for what would equate to pennies in the United Kingdom, but yet grateful to have a job be able to provide for his family.
Education in the country is an avenue out of poverty and for a better life. Many families make major sacrifices to try to get a child through university with the hope this would not only provide for the child but also the wider family’s stability. Governmental jobs are highly regarded as not only provide job security but extra privileges for the family. Millions of the younger generation, however have become trapped in a system; educated but unemployed!
Their frustration has been directed to a quota system; a quota system that reserves 56% of government jobs for specific groups, leaving only 44% for merit-based appointments (The Guardian 2024).
Main arguments in favour of maintaining the quota system in Bangladesh
Historical justice: The quota system was originally established in 1972 to address historical injustices and help disadvantaged groups after Bangladesh gained independence.
Representation/inclusion for minorities: The system reserves positions for minorities, women, people with disabilities, and those from underrepresented districts, aiming to ensure diverse representation in government jobs.
Honouring freedom fighters: 30% of jobs are reserved for descendants of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, seen as a way to honour their sacrifice.
The ruling political party, Awami League sees maintaining the freedom fighter (war veteran) quota as important to upholding the ‘spirit of the Liberation War’ (1971) and their political narrative.
Arguments against the quota system
Critics argue the quota system it is outdated, unfair, and limits merit-based hiring. The protests show many students view it as discriminatory and an obstacle to their career prospects. The quota system in Bangladesh can significantly impact the career prospects of students seeking government jobs.
Key arguments against the quota system include:
Limited Opportunities – This restricts opportunities for many qualified candidates (The Guardian 2024)
High Competition – With a large number of graduates entering the job market annually, the competition for the limited merit-based positions is intense. For example, in a recent recruitment test, 346,000 candidates competed for just 3,300 jobs (Context 2024).
Unemployment – University graduates face higher unemployment rates compared to less-educated peers, exacerbating frustration and economic insecurity among the youth.
The system is viewed as outdated and discriminatory, favouring individuals with political connections over merit, which has led to widespread discontent.
I understand the importance of having provisions in place for inclusion of underrepresented groups, I am in favour for this. However, I too believe the allocation of 30% of jobs to descendants to freedom fighters is outdated and unfair.
The protest and demands
Protests in Bangladesh began in July 2024, over the job quotas for descendants of 1971 independence freedom fighters. The student protests in Bangladesh escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in significant violence and numerous fatalities.
The protests in Bangladesh had significantly disrupted daily life for ordinary citizens in several ways:
1. Transportation disruptions
2. Business closures and supply chain disruptions
3. Internet blackouts
4. School and university closures:
5. Curfews
6. Safety concerns
7. Economic impact
8. Limited access to services
These factors combined have created significant challenges for ordinary Bangladeshi citizens and businesses in carrying out their daily routines and activities.
The protests, which began as a movement against the job quota system, evolved into a wider civil discontent, challenging the government’s policies and demanding significant political changes. Over 200 people were been killed, with police using live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas against demonstrators (the death toll remains a contentious figure). More than 10,000 arrests were made (Aljazeera 2024)
The government imposed curfews, an internet blackout, and deployed military forces and a ‘Shoot to Kill’ order. The European Union and UN have condemned the excessive use of force and called for accountability.
Supreme Court made a decision to reduce job quotas for descendants of 1971 independence war veterans from 30% to 5% (The Guardian 2024). However the students stayed firm with their demands.
The main demands included:
Abolition of the quota system for government jobs. Initially, students demanded reforms to the system that reserved 30% of government jobs for descendants of 1971 independence war veterans.
Merit-based recruitment for government positions instead of the quota system.
Resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As protests escalated, demonstrators began calling for Sheikh Hasina to step down.
Accountability for the deaths of protesters during previous clashes. Students demanded justice for over 200 individuals killed in earlier demonstrations (The Independant 2024).
Release of detained student leaders and protesters.
An apology from the government for its handling of the crisis and the violent crackdown on protesters.
Broader political reforms and addressing issues of unemployment and inequality that fuelled discontent among people.
Stepping down and fleeing of the Prime Minister after 15 years in power
On Sunday, 4 August, 2024, at least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes between protesters and security forces. This marked the deadliest day of the ongoing unrest, with police using tear gas and other measures to disperse crowds.
Yesterday, Monday 5th August 2024, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina resigned, thousands stormed into her official residence and then Sheikh Hasina fled the country in a military aircraft.
Many have viewed this as a day of liberation and perhaps it is exactly that.
Bangladesh now, my warning and hopes for the country
This may be the new horizon the country needs. A liberation of a country comes with a great deal of hope but also vulnerability.
Though celebrations continue, the situation remains volatile, with the country of nearly 170 million people plunged into a new era of the unknown. Along with celebration, there is also overall unrest with looting, police buildings set on fire and vandalism.
My advice to the people living in Bangladesh, much like coming out of a long-term relationship, there is a need to heal, take stock of what they need and want. For all the negative in the media currently about Sheikh Hasina, tarnishing her government’s contributions, this is the same government who have also pushed Sustainability Development at great speed and made huge inroads.
There is a need to continue with the positive developments made into the new era, than jumping onto a new ship without taking valuable luggage of progress made with you. There may be a number of opportunities and prospective leaders but the people must choose carefully in their vulnerable state rather than rush into a quick fix.
There is talk of Prof Muhammed Yunus, to step in as Chief Adviser/Interim Prime Minister and head up the caretaker government. Prof Yunus is the first and only Bangladeshi to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. As a veteran Professor of Economic who founded his social enterprise Grameen Bank, providing micro-financing to millions of poor and disadvantaged, often women.
Prof Yunus has deeply contributed to the progression of the country. He has a global standing; respect from individuals in the country and internationally. Unfortunately, Prof Yunus has been targeted with over 200+ legal cases against him, which his team pose as ‘made up’ by the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina’s government, out of envy, for what he has achieved and contributed the country. From my own experience of family members with cases on their head in Bangladesh, ‘made up’ and ‘exaggerated’ case do exist….crazy as it sounds, it happens! People do get targeted out of envy and hatred for their wonderful contributions. We have to remember, not everyone wants to see progress or reform.
Prof Yunus has made great contributions through his social enterprise ‘Garmeen’ offering micro-financing (though interest rates have been questionable), and has excelled into healthcare and even renewable energy. As someone who has followed Prof Yunus’ work, I think he may be a good choice to guide the country through the selection process of its future government. The country needs leaders that are in-tune with the population, for the many not the few!
I dearly hope the future of Bangladesh is one that puts the people of Bangladesh and sustainability at the heart of decision making and policy. I hope the unrest subsides and some sense of normality can take heed towards a better, brighter future for Bangladesh.
