The student uprising that created chaos in the politics of Bangladesh has become a lesson for other countries. Similar political crises are going on in our neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Different crisis has arisen in each country. Let's analyse the experiences of those countries in depth.
Unrest in neighbouring countries
Anti-Reservation protests in Bangladesh: The neighbouring country is experiencing unrest due to protests over a job quota system, leaving the country in a precarious situation. The protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in New Delhi. India has pledged support to Hasina, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that India is closely monitoring the situation, especially concerning the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in Bangladesh.
Economic & political crisis in Pakistan: Pakistan is facing political unrest and an economic crisis, with a debt crisis, inflation, and a balance of payments crisis. The country has seen the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and the current government is facing challenges in managing the economy and political stability.
Military coup in Myanmar: Formerly Burma - is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups. Myanmar is experiencing political instability and unrest, with the military junta in power since the coup in 2021. The country is facing challenges in managing the political and economic crisis, with international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Political turmoil in Sri Lanka: An island country in South Asia, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, is facing an economic crisis, with a debt crisis, inflation, and a balance of payments crisis. The country has seen political instability, with the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the current government is facing challenges in managing the economy and political stability.
Reformist protests in Maldives: This tiny Islands located in the Indian Ocean is experiencing political instability, with the current government facing challenges in managing the economy and political stability. The country has seen unrest and protests, with demands for political reforms and accountability.
How ‘Gen Z revolution’ toppled a veteran leader?
The latest student movement that has rocked Bangladesh has become the talk of the world. Fifty decades ago, the seeds of the anti-reservation movement were planted. Let's take a look at the people's uprising that has reached the level of overthrowing the rulers for years. The Bangladesh revolt refers to the on-going protests and movement demanding the cancellation of the quota system in government jobs and education, as well as broader political and social changes.
A brief timeline of quota-reforms movement
2018: Protests begin, demanding reform of the quota system, which reserves 56% of government jobs for certain groups.
February 2018: Protesters clash with security forces, leading to injuries and arrests.
April 2018: The government scraps the quota system for top government jobs but maintains it for lower-level positions.
2022: Protests resume, demanding cancellation of the quota system, merit-based recruitment, and accountability for past violence against protesters
July 2024: The Supreme Court reduces the quota for freedom fighters' descendants to 5% and allocates 93% of jobs based on merit.
August 2024: Protests turn violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigns, and an interim government is formed.
Bangladesh revolt is driven by demands for:
Merit-based opportunities
Accountability for past violence
Political and social change
Pakistan's political crisis: Key events and issues
Ouster of Imran Khan: Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion. Imran Khan was arrested twice, first in May 2023 and then again in August 2023, on charges of selling state gifts and contempt of court. The arrests led to widespread protests and violence, with Khan's supporters clashing with security forces. The Supreme Court intervened, ordering Khan's release and criticizing the government's actions. The ousting led to a series of political crises and unrest, with Khan's supporters protesting against the new government.
Economic Crisis: The country is facing an economic crisis, with a debt crisis, inflation, and a balance of payments crisis.
Constitutional Crisis: The crisis has also led to a constitutional crisis, with questions raised about the role of the military and the judiciary in politics.
Elections: The crisis has also led to delays in elections, with the Election Commission postponing polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Military's Role: The military's role in politics has been a contentious issue, with Khan accusing the military of interfering in politics and the military denying the allegations.
Sri Lankan uprising is an example of political instability
The Sri Lankan revolt refers to the on-going political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, which led to widespread protests and demands for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his government. Public revolt is a result of the government's failure to address economic and social issues, leading to widespread discontent and demands for change
Brief timeline of Lankan political crisis
2019: Gotabaya Rajapaksa wins the presidential election, promising economic development and national security.
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic hits Sri Lanka, exacerbating economic woes.
2021: The government faces criticism for mishandling the economy, leading to foreign exchange shortages, fuel and food shortages, power outages, Inflation
March 2022: Protests begin, demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation, economic reforms, and accountability for corruption
April 2022: Protests escalate, with nationwide demonstrations, blockades of major roads and ports, and clashes with security forces
May 2022: The government declares a state of emergency and deploys military to quell protests.
June 2022: President Rajapaksa flees the country, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe becomes acting president.
July 2022: Wickremesinghe is elected president, promising economic eforms and stability.
2024: Presidential elections will be held in Sri Lanka on 21 September 2024.
Revolts or movements in other countries
Some of other movements share similarities with the Bangladesh protests in their demands for social, economic, and political change, and their use of mass protests and demonstrations to bring about reform.
Arab Spring (2010-2012): A wave of protests and uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, demanding political and social change.
Hong Kong Protests (2014 and 2019): Mass protests against China's increasing control and erosion of democratic rights.
South African Fees Must Fall (2015-2016): Student-led protests against tuition fee increases and demanding free education.
Chilean Student Protests (2006 and 2011): Protests against education reform and demanding free education.
Brazilian Protests (2013): Mass protests against corruption, inequality, and poor public services.
Turkish Gezi Park Protests (2013): Protests against government authoritarianism and urban development plans.
Ukrainian Euromaidan Protests (2013-2014): Protests against government corruption and demanding closer ties with the EU.
Thai Student Protests (2020): Protests against military rule, demanding democratic reforms and monarchy reform.
Colombian Paro Nacional (2021): Protests against government policies, corruption, and demanding social and economic reforms.
