Tyranny’s fate

The writing was on the wall for the oppressive Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh. A student movement sparked by the contentious quota system morphed into a full-blown demand for the top leadership's resignation. Sheikh Hasina, who had held the reins since 2009, steered the country towards economic prosperity but the job-quota system proved to be her downfall. As the protests reached a boiling point, attempts were made to placate the demonstrators. But PM Hasina's inflammatory remark labelling students as terrorists poured gasoline on the fire, culminating in a crescendo of calls for her ouster.

Millions poured onto the streets to demand her resignation, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly 300 lives. In the end, former PM Hasina was given a 45-minute ultimatum to vacate her position without even being afforded a farewell address on TV – a stark testament to her precipitous fall from grace due to her draconian measures. Her perceived pro-India bias and parting glance towards India only added insult to injury. This episode shows that even economically robust nations can face escalating protests if justice and rights are denied to the people and that unchecked power can become a double-edged sword.

Advocate Riaz Ali Panhwar

Hyderabad

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Ex Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has resigned after 15 years in office, following weeks of intense protests and violent clashes that left almost 300 people dead. Her departure was met with celebrations across the country, signifying a profound political shift. The protests began in July over a controversial job-quota system favouring descendants of 1971 war veterans linked to Hasina's Awami League party. The quotas left fewer positions for general competition and frustrated many job seekers, especially students. Hasina's derogatory remarks toward protesters intensified the unrest, leading to widespread demonstrations and violent clashes.

Sheikh Hasina, once a popular leader, faced accusations of authoritarianism, suppression of dissent, and human rights abuses in her later years. The deployment of the army against protesters was the final straw, galvanizing public opinion against her and leading to her eventual ouster. This moment marks a significant shift for Bangladesh, emphasizing the power of collective action and the importance of addressing public grievances. Persistent public dissent can lead to substantial political change, highlighting the necessity for leaders to remain attuned to the needs and voices of their people.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi