Quo Vadis Bangladesh?
Calvin Nixon: Quo Vadis Bangladesh? Second Independence or Looming Instability? AIES Comment 2024/4.
28.08.2024
On August 5th, 2024, Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, ending a prolonged period of dominance by the Awami League (AL) since 2009. While Hasina's tenure saw significant economic growth and efforts against Islamist extremism, it was marred by increasing authoritarianism and the AL's uncontested rule following opposition boycotts. Her ouster was triggered by widespread protests over a controversial employment quota - which favored descendants of 1971 freedom fighters - and the government's violent response, exacerbated by internet and communication shutdowns and economic difficulties. An interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, now confronts the challenge of stabilizing the nation. This AIES Comment explores the domestic challenges concerning Bangladesh’s economic situation and religious frictions within its society. Moreover, possible implications of the “Monsoon Revolution” for Bangladesh-India relations are examined.