A Reflection of Bangladesh’s Sociopolitical Landscape
By: Sheikh Saadi
The recent protests against the job quota system in Bangladesh highlight a complex interplay of historical injustices, socio-economic disparities, and aspirations for a meritocratic society. These protests, reminiscent of past student movements, have sparked a fervent debate on the efficacy and fairness of the current system. Allegations have surfaced that the movement was hijacked by groups with ulterior motives, leading to significant disruptions and attacks on national icons of development.
This article evaluates the 2024 government job quota reform movement, noting that student movements in Bangladesh’s history have often evolved into broader mass movements.
A Historical Overview
Bangladesh’s history is intrinsically linked to the concept of quotas. Introduced after the Liberation War of 1971, the system aimed to redress historical marginalization, particularly of those who fought for independence. Over time, the system expanded to include women, minorities, and children of freedom fighters. Initially a temporary measure, it has become a structural component of public service.
Current Protests
The 2024 protests reflect growing discontent among the youth, who argue that the quota system undermines meritocracy, stifles competition, and hampers national progress. The protesters, largely university students, represent a generation witnessing unprecedented economic growth but also increasing inequality. Their demands for a level playing field resonate with a broader society feeling disadvantaged by the existing system.
Historical Parallels
The protests draw parallels with past student movements, such as:
1. Language Movement (1952)
• Demands: Recognition of Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan.
• Significance: This movement was crucial in establishing Bengali linguistic and cultural identity and laid the groundwork for future movements for autonomy and independence.
• Number of Deaths: Several students, including Abdul Jabbar, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, and Abdus Salam, were killed.
• Outcomes: Bengali was recognized as one of the state languages of Pakistan in 1956.
2. Education Movement (1962)
• Demands: Withdrawal of the Sharif Commission Report on education.
• Significance: Highlighted the demand for an education system that would meet the cultural and economic needs of East Pakistan.
• Number of Deaths: Some student activists were killed during protests.
• Outcomes: The government withdrew the Sharif Commission Report.
3. Six-Point Movement (1966)
• Demands: Autonomy for East Pakistan based on six specific demands, including a separate currency and fiscal policy.
• Significance: Spearheaded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, this movement was a key step towards the liberation of East Pakistan.
• Number of Deaths: Several students and activists were killed during protests.
• Outcomes: Heightened the demand for autonomy, which eventually led to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
4. Mass Uprising (1969)
• Demands: Resignation of President Ayub Khan and the release of political prisoners, including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Significance: It was a turning point in the political history of East Pakistan, leading to the eventual collapse of Ayub Khan’s regime.
• Number of Deaths: Approximately 23 people, including student leader Asaduzzaman.
• Outcomes: President Ayub Khan resigned, and General Yahya Khan took over, eventually leading to the general elections in 1970.
5. Liberation War (1971)
• Demands: Independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
• Significance: This was the culmination of years of struggle for autonomy and independence, resulting in the birth of Bangladesh.
• Number of Deaths: Estimates range from 300,000 to 3,000,000.
• Outcomes: Bangladesh became an independent nation on December 16, 1971.
6. Anti-Autocratic Movement (1990)
• Demands: Removal of the military dictator President Hussain Muhammad Ershad.
• Significance: Marked the end of autocratic rule and the beginning of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.
• Number of Deaths: Several students and activists were killed in clashes with security forces.
• Outcomes: Ershad resigned, and democratic elections were held in 1991.
7. Quota Reform Movement (2018)
• Demands: Reform of the government job quota system which reserved 56% of jobs for various quotas, including for freedom fighters’ descendants.
• Significance: Highlighted the need for a merit-based system and equality in government job opportunities.
• Number of Deaths: No deaths, but many students were injured.
• Outcomes: The government announced reforms to the quota system, though implementation has been slow and controversial
8. Road Safety Movement (2018)
• Demands: Stricter enforcement of traffic laws following the deaths of two students in a road accident.
• Significance: Raised awareness about road safety and the accountability of traffic authorities.
• Number of Deaths: At least one student, Diya Khanam Mim, and Abdul Karim Rajib, whose deaths triggered the movement.
• Outcomes: The government promised to implement stricter traffic regulations and improve road safety.
Quota Movement (2024)
The 2024 Quota Reform Movement initially demanded a merit-based system but was reportedly hijacked by various interest groups, leading to attacks on development icons such as COVID hospitals, metro rail, and disaster management buildings. These actions undermined the movement’s legitimacy and caused widespread chaos and economic disruptions.
Casualties and Violence
The movement has seen a list of over 200 deaths so far from non-government sources while the government declared the number 147 and increasing. Quota protesters updates profiles of deaths in this movements who are constantly collecting the death list from private and government hospitals which doesn’t include the details of dead who are being buried by the government and public without registering at the hospitals.
Non-government sources report over 203 deaths and more than 20,000 others injured with many suffering from tear gas exposure, rubber bullet wounds, and baton injuries. The aggressive tactics by police and security forces exacerbated violence, leading to widespread condemnation and highlighting the severe human cost of political unrest. more than 11,000 have been arrested in various parts of the country.
Economic Impact
Prolonged protests and violent clashes hindered trade and commerce, causing delays and cancellations in business transactions. Export-import activities suffered, leading to revenue losses and strained international trade relationships. Investor confidence dwindled, impacting foreign direct investment and remittances. The instability also deterred diaspora communities from sending money home, further straining the economy.
Criticism of Government Handling
The government has faced significant criticism for its handling of the movement. The response by law enforcement has been described as excessively violent.Critics, including international media and human rights organizations, have condemned measures such as university shutdowns, curfews, and internet blackouts. Amnesty International highlighted the use of unlawful force by security forces. The ruling Awami League’s student wing, the Chhatra League, was accused of attacking protesters, exacerbating the violence.
Observers argue that the government’s failure to address protesters’ demands adequately and its heavy-handed approach have intensified public anger, leading to further unrest. Critics also accuse the government of punishing victims collectively by arresting students from hospitals, homes, and streets without warrants and subjecting them to torture.
The government’s handling of the movement has been further criticized for not recognizing the deeply rooted public dissatisfaction due to the lack of free, fair elections, failure in governance, and economic issues like inflation and corruption. This dissatisfaction has popularized the quota demand, viewed as fair by many.
Conclusion
Governments should be of the people, for the people and by the people who are ready to take care of the very people they are working for. Citizens must build the country cooperating the governments. IN current situation the way forward requires a nuanced approach balancing equity with meritocracy, as reflected in the Supreme Court’s 7% quota arrangement. Democracy, equality, fairness, justice, good governance, transparency, prosperity, and development must advance hand in hand to ensure a sustainable, peaceful “Sonar Bangla.”