NEW DELHI: In a dramatic turn of events, Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, following escalating protests over a contentious job quota bill. The nationwide unrest, which initially began as a peaceful demonstration, turned violent in July, forcing Hasina to step down after a 15-year tenure. The crisis was triggered by long-standing discontent over a job quota system designed to benefit the descendants of Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war veterans.
Timeline of Events Leading to Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation
1.Historical Background of Job Quotas
Following the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan, the Civil Service of Pakistan (CSP) and other central and provincial services were established with quota provisions for public service recruitment. These quotas were formalized under the 1956 constitution, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
2. Introduction of the Quota System in Bangladesh
In 1972, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman introduced a job quota system recognizing freedom fighters from the 1971 war of independence. Despite several movements advocating for its removal over the years, the system persisted.
3. Quota Reforms in 2018
By 2018, the job quota system reserved 56 per cent of government jobs for various groups: 30 per cent for descendants of freedom fighters, 10 per cent for women, 10 per cent for residents of backward districts, 5 per ecnt for minority groups, and 1 percent for people with disabilities. This extensive reservation sparked widespread protests, especially within educational institutions.
4. Government’s 2018 Decision
In response to the protests, the Bangladeshi government abolished the quota system for higher-grade positions (grades 9 to 13) in 2018, aiming to promote merit-based recruitment. However, quotas for lower-grade posts (grades 14 to 20) remained, with a policy that unfilled quota positions could be filled from the merit list.
5. High Court Ruling in 2024
In June 2024, the High Court of Bangladesh nullified the 2018 decision and reinstated the job quotas, following petitions from relatives of 1971 war veterans. This ruling reignited protests across the country.
6. Supreme Court Intervention
On July 21, the Supreme Court intervened, suspending the High Court’s ruling. The Supreme Court reduced the quota for veterans to 5 per ecnt, with 93 per cent of jobs to be allocated based on merit, and 2% reserved for ethnic minorities, transgenders, and people with disabilities.
7. Resurgence of Protests
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, protests continued with intensified demands. Demonstrators called for justice for those killed during the unrest and for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Protesters argued that the quota system was discriminatory and disproportionately benefited supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party, which had played a significant role in the independence movement.
The nationwide protests ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, marking a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The unrest underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the job quota system and reflects broader debates over merit and equality in public service recruitment.
Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Monday, succumbing to pressure from protesters. Following her resignation, Hasina fled to India and is expected to seek asylum in the UK.
Hasina, who came to power in 2009, has been a crucial ally for India. Her tenure saw significant achievements in strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties between Dhaka and New Delhi, and she played a key role in dismantling anti-India terrorist groups operating from Bangladesh.
India’s regional influence, however, has been challenged by China’s growing presence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina met a record ten times in 2023, highlighting the importance of their relationship amid shifting regional dynamics. The situation is further complicated by the loss of Indian influence in Afghanistan, Maldives, and Myanmar, and fluctuating ties with Nepal and Sri Lanka.
For the second time in fifty years, Hasina sought refuge in India. After receiving a 45-minute ultimatum from the Bangladesh Army Chief, she was airlifted to Kurmitola and then transported to New Delhi via a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J. Speculation suggests she may be heading to the UK, where her sister is already a citizen.
Earlier this year, the new president of the Maldives requested the removal of Indian troops from the island as he sought closer relations with China. Afghanistan’s ties with India deteriorated after the Taliban’s takeover, Sri Lanka remains ambivalent in its relations with New Delhi, and Nepal has recently shown a preference for China.
India’s role in Bangladesh’s formation in 1971, when Sheikh Mujibur Rehman led the rebellion against East Pakistan, was pivotal. Despite this historical connection, recent years have seen strained relations as successive regimes in Bangladesh harboured anti-Indian forces until Hasina’s administration stabilized ties.
Bangladesh’s strategic location at the apex of the Bay of Bengal is crucial for India, connecting its north-eastern states with the broader region. The US’s focus on promoting democracy in Bangladesh has strained its relationship with the country, pushing it closer to Russia and China. The US’s stance has complicated India’s efforts, especially as Bangladesh’s geographical position remains vital due to its proximity to key maritime chokepoints.
China’s defence partnership with Bangladesh remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relations, even as an ‘India Out’ campaign has gained traction in Bangladesh. Despite this, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has downplayed concerns regarding the campaign.
