How Bangladeshi Youth Toppled a Regime: Leadership Lessons
Meghla Najlah El-Haque
Learning & Client Relations Manager @ EUNEPA | Certified L&D Specialist | IB English Teacher
On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a historic moment as student-led protests led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As a Bangladesh-born professional living in Europe, I have been deeply inspired by this grassroots youth leadership movement. As a Learning Manager at EUNEPA, where we specialise in learning solutions for leadership and team development, I see immense value in drawing leadership lessons from these events.
These insights can help leaders and teams worldwide foster inclusivity and drive meaningful change within their organisations
Here are key lessons and actionable insights for business leaders drawn from this movement:
1. Harness the Determination and Energy of Youth
The students of Bangladesh showed that young people, with their natural tendencies—such as strong determination, high moral emotions, and a heightened sense of indignation (anger about a situation that you think is wrong or not fair)—can unite around a shared vision to challenge the status quo and drive significant change.
Leadership Insight: Foster an environment where young employees are empowered to voice their ideas and drive innovation. Encourage their participation in strategic decisions to harness their energy and perspectives.
2. Embrace Inclusive Leadership to Address all Voices
The movement highlighted the need for leaders, who listen to and address the concerns of all demographics. Ignoring the voices of the youth can lead to loss of support and legitimacy.
Leadership Insight: Cultivate an inclusive leadership style that values input from all levels of the organisation. Regularly engage with employees — from senior to frontline levels — to understand their concerns and aspirations, and foster a culture of transparency and trust.
3. Leveraging the Power of Technology and Social Media
Technology and social media were crucial in organising and sustaining the movement, demonstrating the importance of digital literacy and technology in driving social change. Attempts to suppress information, like the internet blackout, often backfire and strengthen resistance.
Leadership Insight: Embrace technology and digital tools not just to stay agile, but also to respond quickly to market changes and employee needs—like implementing a company-wide communication platform to keep teams connected and informed during times of change. Remember, attempts to suppress communication often backfire, leading to stronger resistance and negative publicity.
4. Use the Value of Peaceful Dissent for Positive Organisational Change
The largely peaceful protests showcased the power of nonviolent resistance, which not only garnered widespread support, but also allowed the movement to maintain the moral high ground.
Leadership Insight: ?Do not ignore conflicts to maintain a false sense of peace, nor encourage passive aggression. Instead, foster an environment where people feel safe to voice their concerns and differing opinions. Use dialogue and mediation to address tensions, maintaining a healthy and constructive workplace environment.
5. Tackle Systemic Issues to Drive Change
The overthrow of Sheikh Hasina underscores a long-standing call for institutional reforms. It reminds leaders to address systemic issues head-on, ensure transparency, uphold democratic values, and protect employees' rights.
Leadership Insight: Regularly review and update your company’s policies and procedures to align with current best practices and legal standards. Transparency and accountability are key to maintaining trust with employees and stakeholders.
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6. Prioritise Fair and? Democratic Decision-making in? Leadership Transitions?
The Bangladeshi student leadership refused to accept an interim military-led government, opting for Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead the caretaker government instead. This highlights their commitment to democratic principles.
Leadership Insight: Ensure leadership transitions within your organisation respect democratic values and principles. Promote decision-making processes that involve input from a diverse range of employees to foster a culture of belonging,? inclusivity and fairness.
7. Champion Ethical Leadership,? inspired by Sacrifices for Freedom
Over 200 protestors sacrificed their lives during the regime's crackdown. Their sacrifice underscores the high price of freedom and the lengths oppressive regimes will go to maintain power.
Leadership Insight: Recognise and honour sacrifices made for benefits of the whole organisation.? Uphold ethical practices and demonstrate moral courage, even when it's difficult. In leadership, these actions are essential for sustaining trust and integrity.
Stand against any form of cronyism (the appointment of friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications) or discrimination within and outside your organisation. Engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives that support global causes and human rights. Building a socially responsible brand can enhance your company’s reputation and impact, even in complex global landscapes.
8. Make Education Your Catalyst for Change
The educated and socially aware youth of Bangladesh used their knowledge and critical thinking skills to challenge corruption and demand accountability, demonstrating how education can drive change, empower individuals and inspire movements that reshape society.
Leadership Insight: Invest in continuous learning and development programmes for your employees. This drives both agility as well as innovation. Encourage a culture of lifelong learning and cultural sensitivity to keep your workforce skilled, emotionally intelligent and adaptable to changing industry landscapes.
9. Make Change an Ongoing Project despite short-term setbacks
Since the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina, there has been widespread violence, looting, and vandalism, overshadowing the initial student-led movement. This breakdown of law and order has marred the immediate aftermath of the protests. However, it is crucial to recognise that these incidents do not undermine the overarching noble cause that sparked the movement. The students' fight for justice, democracy, and systemic change remains a significant and inspiring example of the power of collective action and the resilience of youth in the face of oppression.
Leadership Insight: Accept that setbacks are a natural part of transformation and be prepared to adapt as needed. Support efforts and listen to feedback throughout the organisation to ensure continuous improvement and alignment. Commit to ethical practices and firmly implement DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives to foster a just and inclusive workplace.
Conclusion
The events in Bangladesh are a powerful reminder that democracy is a dynamic process that requires constant vigilance and participation from all sectors of society.?
Business leaders can draw valuable lessons from these events by empowering youth, fostering inclusive environments, leveraging technology wisely, upholding transparency, and honouring calls for accountability, integrity and fairness.?
By embracing these principles, leaders not only help their organisations thrive, but also contribute to a more just and equitable world.
References:
Speaker, Trainer, Coach in Interculturality, Diversity DEIB Inclusion, Communications, Leadership. Providing: experts in Psychological Safety, Cognitive Profiling, Wellness, Spirit, Systems Thinking, Spiral Dynamics
6 个月Great article and lessons for at least certain parties in the uk
International Business & Cross-Cultural Strategist | Global Diversity & Inclusion | Speaker- Gender, Linguistic & Cultural Diversity | ISB PGPMAX'24
6 个月Thanks for sharing this! very well written!
Operations Manager│Events Manager│Government Protocol│Pet Lover
6 个月Very insightful, thank you for sharing!
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant | Intercultural Trainer | Advisor: Research and Publications
6 个月Brilliant article Meghla Najlah El-Haque! Let's hope that Bangladesh's future will show more prosperous! And Leaders of businesses and organisations follow these important steps, because they might not be overthrown, but can certainly get bankrupt.