Red Revolution: A New Dawn Rises on Bangladesh

As the clock struck 2:30 PM, anticipation filled the air on August 5. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman prepared to address the nation, triggering a surge of students onto the streets. Victory celebrations erupted, and news spread like wildfire: Sheikh Hasina had relinquished her position as Prime Minister and departed. The victorious throngs spilt onto the roads, from narrow alleys to sprawling villages, painting the capital with the hues of their triumph.

Government buildings — Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister's Office, and Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban — became symbolic canvases. Enthusiastic crowds expressed their newfound freedom in diverse ways, even as incidents of looting marred the jubilation. General Waqar-uz-Zaman's televised speech confirmed the Prime Minister's resignation and announced an interim government to steer the nation. He implored citizens to remain calm during this transition.

Late into the night, political leaders, civil society representatives, and military officials convened at Bangabhaban to discuss the formation of the interim government. President Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu addressed the nation, assuring that negotiations would shape this transitional administration. Elections loomed on the horizon, and the release of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and compensation for the injured were among the decisions made. In a historic meeting, leaders from various parties—excluding the Awami League—joined forces, alongside representatives of the student movement, to chart Bangladesh's path forward.

In recent developments, the curfew imposed by the outgoing government has been lifted, allowing for the reopening of government offices, private institutions, and schools from August 6. However, the garment factories remain closed, as per the owners’ instructions. Simultaneously, news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation has sparked widespread demonstrations. Crowds have gathered near Ganabhaban, the Prime Minister’s official residence. Unfortunately, these protests have not remained peaceful. Reports of violence, including shootings, clashes, and arson, have emerged from various parts of the country.

From the tumultuous events of 1952 to the present day, Bangladesh has witnessed numerous movements for freedom, justice, and democracy. However, the events of July 2024 stand out as a watershed moment in the nation's history—a time when death tolls surpassed those of previous movements and a new generation emerged to lead the charge against dictatorship.

At the forefront of this uprising were students, echoing the tradition of past movements. What distinguishes this year's struggle is the significant participation of both students and women. In an era where government-controlled television dominates the media landscape, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter became the battlegrounds for ideological communication and mobilization. Videos of protests, heartbreaking accounts of loss, and police brutality circulated online, accompanied by patriotic songs and slogans. Graffiti adorned walls, bearing witness to the collective spirit of resistance.

Central to this mass upheaval was "Generation Z," affectionately known as "Gen Z." These tech-savvy young activists fought their battles using digital tools, even in the face of internet shutdowns. When public university students were attacked, their counterparts from private universities joined the fray. Remarkably, secondary and higher secondary students also rallied, united by a singular goal: the removal of the dictator. Their unwavering morale and youthful energy serve as a powerful reminder that they are not merely tethered to mobile addiction; they play a vital role in shaping the nation's destiny.

The historical events we have witnessed firsthand offer valuable lessons for contemplation. In a broader perspective, the new generation has harnessed the power of social media. However, they grapple with two critical challenges: inadequate access to quality education and decent employment opportunities. As global citizens in the digital realm, they keenly perceive the absence of robust rule of law, human rights, and justice. Social media serves as a potent platform for their collective expression and mobilization.

A prevailing sentiment among the populace is that the resignation of a head of government will address the youth’s issues. Consequently, the incoming administration must diligently meet the expectations of this demographic. By embracing the fresh perspectives and aspirations of young Bangladeshis, the nation can forge a path towards greater prosperity and resilience. Indeed, safeguarding individual thought and fostering an environment conducive to diverse viewpoints play pivotal roles in shaping a country’s trajectory.

The nation of Bangladesh found itself at a critical juncture on a fateful Monday afternoon, August 5. The air was thick with anticipation, fuelled by days of violent clashes between students and law enforcement. The demand for educational reforms had escalated into a fervent movement, and the streets of Dhaka teemed with determined youth.

Then came the seismic shift: news broke that Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League president, had resigned and fled to India. Accompanied by her sister, Sheikh Rehana, she escaped under the cover of darkness, leaving behind a country in turmoil. The military helicopter that carried her touched down in New Delhi, where she met with Indian Security Advisor Ajit Doval before embarking on her journey to London.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, millions of students flooded the streets. Their collective spirit surged, fuelled by the revelation of Sheikh Hasina's departure. Victory seemed imminent, and they marched towards Shahbagh and Ganabhaban—the symbols of power. The main thoroughfares of Dhaka became their canvas, painted with chants, cheers, and fluttering national flags.

Yet amidst this jubilation, sorrow lingered. The bloodshed of the past days weighed heavily on their hearts. Over 300 lives had been lost and sacrificed in the pursuit of justice as per report (but the number will be much higher after fair investigation). Tears flowed, grief echoed, and the names of these brave martyrs resounded through the crowd. The students, now victorious, sought out the families of those fallen heroes, expressing gratitude for their sacrifice.

Monday afternoon etched itself into the annals of Bangladesh's history. Never before had such an uprising unfolded on its soil—an organic surge of people power, unscripted and unyielding. The democratic tapestry of the world would forever bear the golden thread of this extraordinary moment—a nation's triumph amid tragedy.

In the wake of an astonishing coup, jubilant crowds surged into the Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Security posts crumbled under their fervour as they celebrated their victory. Simultaneously, student activists flooded the National Parliament building, their joy echoing through its halls. Even the Prime Minister’s office was not spared; it became a stage for their exuberance. Meanwhile, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport shut down operations, swept up in the tide of celebration.

However, amidst the revelry, darker incidents unfolded. Reports emerged of assaults, vandalism, and arson. The anti-discrimination student movement, while celebrating their triumph, issued a plea: preserve the nation’s resources and maintain calm. They promised a new government framework within 24 hours, urging unity to prevent communal violence. Political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, echoed this call for restraint, urging citizens to avoid conflict and violence.

In Dhaka, sporadic events marred the celebration. The Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi was set ablaze, and the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum suffered the same fate. Miscreants targeted two media outlets—ATN Bangla and ATN News—located in Kawran Bazar. Robberies escalated, and Ekatar TV’s office faced attack and vandalism. The Chief Justice’s residence bore the brunt of the chaos, as did the Home Minister’s home. Outside Dhaka, enraged crowds surrounded and attacked police stations, resulting in casualties. The Awami League’s homes and institutions across different areas were also vandalised and set on fire.

In a seismic shift that unfolded over five intense weeks, Bangladesh's student movement achieved a remarkable victory—one that had been brewing for 15 years. The catalyst? A controversial quota system was introduced by the government, which allocated a staggering 30 percent of coveted government jobs to descendants of "freedom fighters" who had played a pivotal role in the country's liberation from Pakistan in 1971. For 25-year-old Abu Sayed, a student at a prestigious university, this policy shattered his dreams by shooting him in the chest willingly. With 18 million unemployed youth in Bangladesh, Sayed became a lead inspiration in the nationwide movement known as "Students Against Discrimination." His tragic death at the hands of police during a protest galvanized students, educators, lawyers, and even rickshaw pullers. Their collective efforts led to a revision of the quota system, reducing the allocation to just seven percent. But the students' aspirations extended beyond mere reform—they demanded systemic change. And shockingly, their demands were met: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, recognizing the unwavering resolve of a movement that symbolized Bangladesh's future.

This student uprising is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, Bangladeshi students have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation. From unfurling the national flag during the 1952 and 1971 struggles to occupying streets and public spaces, their activism has left an indelible mark. While the recent movement succeeded, it was bolstered by a wider context of organised political opposition, independent state institutions, and a robust civil society led by academics. The victory serves as a powerful testament: Bangladeshis now prioritise human rights, free speech, and democracy alongside economic progress. The loss of hundreds of lives during this movement underscores its significance—a watershed moment on the soil of an independent nation.

For 15 years, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League held power in Bangladesh, gradually transforming into an authoritarian one party regime. Hasina consolidated control within her party, leading to a one-party system that stifled democratic expression. However, recent events have marked a turning point. Mass uprisings, fuelled by students and the public, compelled Hasina to resign and flee the country on August 5, 2024. While this is an initial victory, further steps are necessary to ensure fair and impartial elections.

Military and intelligence reforms: Sheikh Hasina's departure exposed the infiltration of Indian "RAW" agents within Bangladesh's military and intelligence apparatus. The 2007 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutiny, which claimed the lives of 57 army officers, highlighted the need for cleansing these institutions. General Moeen U. Ahmed's legacy should serve as a reminder that no other leader should compromise national interests for India.

Judicial independence: The humiliation and forced resignation of former Chief Justice Sinha underscored the judiciary's subservience to Hasin's regime. Justices Manik and Inayetur Rahim, her appointees, must be removed to restore an independent judiciary. Only then can Bangladesh's legal system truly serve all citizens.

Administrative reform: The presence of Indian "RAW" agents within institutions like the police, BGB, RAB, and civil services poses a challenge.

To prevent sabotage, gradual identification and removal of these agents are crucial. Without administrative reform, the risk of autocratic governance resurfacing remains. Developing an independent administrative structure—one that transcends specific governments—ensures equal assistance for all citizens.

Strengthening the banking sector: India's influence extends to Bangladesh's financial institutions, including the Bangladesh Bank. During the bank's hacking incident, Indian experts intervened to conceal substantial internal losses. To build a reliable banking system accessible to all Bangladeshis, we must eliminate irregularities and prevent any group or class from exerting undue control.

Mitigating Indian influence in key sectors: Beyond banking, other critical sectors—such as IT, power, gas, and nuclear projects—also bear Indian influence. Despite Sheikh Hasina's departure, Bangladesh remains entangled with India, with RAW (India's intelligence agency) operating extensively within our borders. To safeguard sovereignty and internal peace, we must disentangle Indian intelligence personnel from every sector. Bangladesh's independence hinges on this strategic recalibration.

In order to ensure a free and fair election in our country, we must empower the people to decide the direction of constitutional reforms. As a sovereign nation, we should break free from any secret agreements that compromise our dignity and national interests. Our engagement with foreign countries should prioritize our dignity and equitable gains. Decisions on critical domestic and international matters should emerge from transparent discussions in our parliament, informed expert opinions, and, when necessary, public referendums. Those who oppose these principles are undermining our democracy. Let us safeguard the hard-won freedom that cost us bloodshed and aspire for a stronger, more prosperous Bangladesh on the global stage.