Contribute to the mass uprising in Bangladesh. What was the purpose behind it?
Shahinul Khalisdar
Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
Contribute to the mass uprising in Bangladesh. What was the purpose behind it?
Bongo is currently facing a unique political climate that has never been experienced in the region for millennia. The "anti-Quota Movement" was initiated by students in 2018. I advised PM Hasina, using my code name, to repeal the entire quota system to prevent crises before the election. I sensed that the election was crucial to keep the Awami League in power until 2040 in order to complete all of Bangladesh's infrastructural development. I remember my dad talking about how the infrastructural development of East Pakistan could not succeed due to the 1965 War, the 1966 Agartala Conspiracy, the 1969 Student Uprising, and the 1971 War. Therefore, I believed that as long as Bengalis are united under Bengali nationalism and view Mujib as the father of the Bengali nation, PM Hasina could fulfill the dream of the 1960s.
In recent months, Bangladesh has experienced significant civil unrest stemming from a student-led protest against a controversial quota system. This movement has evolved into a nationwide outcry, highlighting broader issues, including calls for the government to step down. According to HRSS, 819 deaths during student protests?and various reports suggest that over 9,000 individuals were arrested. In response, PM Hasina’s government has implemented curfews and internet blackouts, raising concerns about the deteriorating trust between the government and its citizens.
To comprehend the origins of this unrest, it is essential to examine the historical context of the quota system and address the various conspiracy theories surrounding the issue.
In 1972, when Bangladesh officially separated from United Pakistan and declared itself a sovereign state, the country fell into chaos. Criminal gangs and small political groups took over, leading to widespread anarchy. There was no functioning government, and illegal land grabbing and looting of Hindu, Bihari, and Muslim activists' houses became common. To address this situation, my father had discussions with my relatives, including MAG Osmani. He suggested offering Muktijoddha Quota to provide jobs and prevent gang wars. However, the high command of Mukti Bahini refused this proposal because they did not want to recognize other groups as Muktijoddha, as most Mukti Bahini members had joined the Bangladesh military and BDR.
Regarding MAG Osmani, a quota system was implemented to provide government jobs to all self-proclaimed "Muktijoddha" with proof of training—those who took part in the anti-Pakistan movement. This system was particularly important for Bangladesh as it filled almost 100 thousand positions, including in the railways, colleges, military, post office, and other government roles. During the?1969 to 1972 turmoil, a substantial number of Hindu bureaucrats left East Pakistan with the intention of settling in India, the UK, the USA, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, most Bihari (Muslim Refugees) migrated to West Pakistan and then returned to India.
The quota system was in place until 2018 when widespread protests led to its abolition. However, on June 5, 2024, the High Court reversed this decision and reinstated the quota system, and that was a death sentence for PM Hasina Government.
The current crisis involves students expressing new ideas and thoughts. There is an argument that suggests Mujib is not considered a Bengali father. The Bengali renaissance began with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, while at that time, Bongo Muslims were marginalized. They did not have the right to attend school, and going to the Masjid was prohibited from 1793 to 1858. The concept of Bengali nationalism aimed to minimize Hindu superstitious beliefs and unite them, similar to the English. This focus was primarily on Hindus to identify them as Bengali, as the existence of many castes within Hinduism hindered national unity. The Muslim League was formed in 1906 to unite Muslims. I suggested to Prime Minister Hasina that Mujib should be constitutionally recognized as the Bengali national father, as I have learned that Bangladeshis are eager for their Bengali identity and unanimously agree on Mujib. I believe that no nation can progress without a correct identity, which is why I thought it would be best for Mujib to be constitutionally recognized as the "Father of Bengalis." However, students are now challenging this idea. They might be aware of the truth that East Bongo never identified itself as Bengali but rather as Muslim.