Investigative Report
By
Mohammed Shahid Miah:
In a startling turn of events, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country amid a massive student-led revolution. Protests erupted in the capital, Dhaka, demanding an end to Hasina’s alleged political corruption and her undemocratic attempts to hold onto power. As the public outcry grew, so did the violence. Initially, Hasina resorted to using police forces to control the escalating demonstrations. These brutal crackdowns, however, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent students, further intensifying public outrage. In a last-ditch effort to maintain control, she declared a nationwide curfew and called on the military to restore order, but the military refused to follow her commands.
A Parallel to 1975: The Legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
To fully understand the political complexities of today’s Bangladesh, it is essential to revisit the country’s history, specifically 1975, when Sheikh Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh and its first Prime Minister, was killed in a military coup on August 15, 1975. Mujib’s regime had garnered criticism for increasing authoritarian tendencies, including a move to a one-party state under his Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL) policy. The military, unhappy with his leadership, conspired to remove him, leading to his assassination along with most of his family.
In light of this, the refusal of the Bangladesh military to follow Sheikh Hasina’s orders in the recent unrest raises critical questions. Could the military’s inaction reflect a long-standing tension between the armed forces and the Rahman family, dating back to 1975? There are undeniable parallels between the two events: a growing dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership, the military’s reluctance to intervene in favor of the ruling family, and ultimately, a regime left vulnerable to revolution.
The Role of the Bangladesh Military: A Prestigious but Apolitical Force
The Bangladesh military is regarded as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, with a strong reputation on the global stage. Known for their discipline and professionalism, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have maintained a significant presence in United Nations peacekeeping missions. While many political analysts argue that the Bangladesh army has always held a patriotic stance, refraining from becoming politically biased, the refusal to act in Sheikh Hasina’s favor during the student uprising speaks volumes.
Despite Hasina’s efforts to use the military as a tool for suppression, the armed forces remained apolitical, declining to engage with protestors as her government demanded. Many intelligence experts believe that, much like in 1975, the military was disillusioned with the leadership’s corrupt and increasingly authoritarian rule. Some go further to suggest that the military’s refusal to act may be an indication that they did not want to become complicit in prolonging the rule of the Awami League under Hasina, whose government has faced numerous accusations of corruption over the past 15 years.
Fifteen Years of Controversy: Sheikh Hasina’s Government Under Scrutiny
Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, which began in 2009, has been mired in allegations of corruption, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has seen remarkable economic growth and development, but this has been overshadowed by growing concerns about the erosion of democracy and freedom in the country. Critics of Hasina argue that she has systematically silenced opposition voices, co-opted media outlets, and undermined the judiciary to consolidate power.
Several major corruption scandals have rocked her government. In 2011, the World Bank canceled a $1.2 billion loan for the Padma Bridge project, citing corruption among high-ranking officials. The controversial Digital Security Act of 2018, introduced by Hasina’s government, has been widely criticized for curbing freedom of speech and stifling dissent. Opposition parties have long accused Hasina’s Awami League of rigging elections and using state machinery to ensure her continued rule.
However, it was the student-led movement in recent months that became the catalyst for her eventual downfall. Protesters accused her government of extreme nepotism, with various contracts and government deals being awarded to family members and close associates. Moreover, the violent suppression of peaceful protests by students, who demanded an end to her undemocratic rule, led to widespread condemnation, both locally and internationally. Hasina’s attempt to use police forces to suppress the protests resulted in numerous deaths, further fueling public outrage.
Why Did the Military Refuse Hasina’s Orders?
The Bangladesh military’s refusal to support Hasina during this critical juncture reflects the deep mistrust that may have existed between the army and the Rahman family. Much like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s rule in the 1970s, which ended in tragedy due to military discontent, Hasina’s government also faced mounting dissatisfaction from the armed forces. Military analysts believe that the Bangladeshi military saw itself as a protector of the nation’s integrity and did not want to be used as a political weapon to prolong the rule of a corrupt and increasingly authoritarian regime.
Some experts speculate that there could be an unspoken parallel between the military’s stance on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s governance in the mid-1970s and their current refusal to act under Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The dissatisfaction with Sheikh Mujib’s authoritarian turn in the 1970s could have laid the groundwork for the military’s unease with the Awami League’s attempts to exert control over them.
The Unfolding Political Crisis
As Sheikh Hasina’s government collapses, Bangladesh faces an uncertain future. Her flight from the country marks the end of an era, one that was characterised by economic progress but marred by authoritarianism and corruption. The role of the Bangladesh military in this crisis stands as a testament to its patriotic stance and its refusal to be politicized.
While the military may have played a decisive role in the downfall of Sheikh Hasina, it also remains to be seen how the nation will move forward in the aftermath. As Bangladesh grapples with its future, the lessons from 1975 and the recent events may serve as a stark reminder of the limits of power and the consequences of trying to rule with an iron fist.
References
- Killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, The Bangladesh Chronicle
- Bangladesh Military’s Prestige in the UN Peacekeeping Missions, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations
- Sheikh Hasina’s Government and Corruption Allegations, Human Rights Watch
- The Fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Government Amid Student Protests, BBC News