In the wake of a historic uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime, Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture as it approaches general elections. The student-led protests, which erupted in 2024, marked a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, yet the anticipated emergence of a new generation of leaders faces daunting challenges. As the elections draw near, the old political parties are poised to regain influence, potentially undermining the aspirations of a youthful electorate.
A Blood-Stained Revolution
The uprising, which led to Hasina’s dramatic departure, was ignited by a tragic incident involving young protesters, including Rahat Hossain and his friend Emam Hasan Taim Bhuiyan. On 20 July 2024, during a violent crackdown on demonstrators, Hossain witnessed the harrowing moment when Bhuiyan was shot by police while they sought refuge at a tea stall in Dhaka. Hossain’s desperate attempts to save his friend were captured on video and became emblematic of the uprising’s brutality, which claimed approximately 1,400 lives, predominantly due to state violence.
The protests, initially sparked by grievances over civil service job quotas, rapidly evolved into a collective outcry against autocratic rule. With Hasina fleeing the country, a provisional government emerged, comprising several student leaders who sought to forge a new political identity for Bangladesh. However, as elections loom, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) appears fragmented, and the political landscape is shifting towards established parties, raising concerns about the future direction of the nation.
The Rise of Established Parties
With the Awami League barred from participation, long-standing parties are seizing the opportunity to reclaim their positions. Among these, Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamist party with a controversial history, has gained traction. Despite its past, including allegations of collaboration during Bangladesh’s independence war in 1971, younger voters seem willing to overlook this history, viewing Jamaat as a fellow victim of Hasina’s regime. Hossain, who has expressed disillusionment with the NCP’s effectiveness, has even acknowledged Jamaat’s support for the uprising.
Jamaat’s leader, Shafiqur Rahman, has promised to combat corruption and restore judicial independence, pledges that resonate with a populace weary of political malfeasance. Professor Tawfique Haque of North South University notes that younger voters, having been born long after the independence conflict, are more focused on the current political climate than historical grievances.
The NCP’s collaboration with Jamaat in a multi-party alliance underscores the urgency of building a viable alternative to the entrenched political dynasties that have dominated Bangladesh. However, this alliance has drawn criticism for sidelining women, with only two female candidates among the 30 being fielded by the NCP, while Jamaat’s slate consists entirely of men.
A Compromised Future for Women in Politics
The lack of representation for women in this emerging political framework has sparked outrage among female activists who played pivotal roles in the uprising. Shima Akhter, a prominent student leader, has voiced her disappointment with the NCP’s decision to ally with Jamaat, arguing that it represents a regression for women in politics. Despite their crucial contributions to the protests, women continue to find themselves marginalised in the new political order.
While the NCP has articulated a vision of justice and reform, the absence of women in leadership roles raises questions about the inclusivity of its agenda. Akhter has indicated a shift in her support towards the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which, despite its own dynastic ties, is fielding a larger number of female candidates than the NCP.
The Dynastic Dilemma
The BNP, now emerging as a formidable contender, has rebranded itself as a pro-democracy force after years of repression under Hasina’s government. Led by Tarique Rahman, son of the late Khaleda Zia, the party’s lineage mirrors that of the Awami League, raising concerns about the persistence of dynastic politics in Bangladesh.
As the nation prepares for elections, the stakes are high. The student-led uprising brought about a seismic shift, yet the return of established parties, coupled with the lack of a cohesive youth-led political movement, may dilute the revolutionary spirit that ignited change.
Why it Matters
The upcoming elections in Bangladesh will serve as a litmus test for the aspirations of a generation that risked everything to challenge an oppressive regime. If the old guard regains power, the potential for meaningful reform and inclusivity may diminish, signalling a regression to past political dynamics. The youth’s quest for justice, equality, and representation hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical need for an engaged electorate that holds its leaders accountable. The outcome will not only shape the immediate future of Bangladesh but will also resonate with youth movements globally, as they seek to carve out their own destinies in the face of entrenched power structures.
