Bangladesh’s ‘Gen Z Revolution’ Overthrows Veteran Leader: Why Did They Protest and What’s Next?

 

In Bangladesh, what’s being called a “Gen Z revolution” has led to the toppling of a longtime leader. The movement, largely driven by young student protesters, challenged Sheikh Hasina, a 76-year-old leader who had dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades and increasingly embraced authoritarian measures in recent years.

On Monday, the streets of Dhaka erupted in celebration as Hasina resigned and fled the country by helicopter, following weeks of deadly unrest. Her resignation marks the end of a 15-year tenure characterized by the suppression of civil liberties and a heavy-handed approach to dissent.

In a national address, Army Chief Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman announced that the military would form an interim government. However, student leaders are pushing for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the temporary administration. Yunus has agreed to return to Bangladesh to fulfill this request, according to a source at the Yunus Centre.

The protests began on July 1, initially addressing grievances over a job quota system favoring relatives of 1971 liberation war veterans, including members of Hasina’s own family. The system was seen as discriminatory and as perpetuating favoritism towards Hasina’s ruling Awami League party. The protests quickly grew into a broader movement against Hasina’s regime, fueled by high unemployment and economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Violence escalated on July 15, with government crackdowns resulting in around 300 deaths. Hasina's response included imposing internet blocks and a nationwide curfew, further inflaming the protests. The situation deteriorated, leading to Hasina’s hasty escape to India amid fears of a crowd storming her residence.

Students initially protested peacefully against the quota system but turned their demands towards ending Hasina's rule after a violent government crackdown. The unrest resulted in widespread casualties and destruction, including attacks on symbolic sites like the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Following Hasina’s resignation, violence erupted anew as protesters targeted buildings associated with her regime. Amid the chaos, Yunus’s anticipated return to lead an interim government is seen as a potential solution, though some remain skeptical of the military's intentions.

The path forward remains uncertain as Bangladesh transitions from Hasina’s rule. Students and activists are pushing for a civilian-led government and the protection of minority rights, while others fear a potential power grab by the military.

“This might very well be the first successful Gen Z-led revolution,” noted Sabrina Karim, an associate professor at Cornell University. However, the road to stability and justice in Bangladesh remains complex and fraught with challenges.