Pt.2 - Can Dictator Sheikh Hasina Survive Student Protests In Bangladesh? | Akash Banerjee & Adwaith

Summary

The Bangladesh student protests against Sheikh Hasina have escalated into a pro-democracy movement, fueled by allegations of police brutality, mass arrests, and unverified death tolls. The government's response to the quota agitation has been met with international criticism, and the students' 9-point demands call for accountability and reforms. Despite the crackdown and Hasina's attempts to discredit the movement, the students remain resolute, seeking a political future free from one-party rule and advocating for democracy and economic stability.

Takeaways

• 🇧🇩 Student protests in Bangladesh have evolved from an anti-quota agitation to a pro-democracy movement against the perceived dictatorial rule of Sheikh Hasina.
• 🏛️ The Supreme Court's decision to remove the 30% quota for freedom fighters sparked widespread protests, which have been met with brutal force by Hasina's police and army.
• 🚨 Over 9000 protesters are in jail, with more than 20,000 injured and an estimated death toll ranging from 200 official to over 1000 according to unofficial reports.
• 💔 Sheikh Hasina has not taken responsibility for the violence, instead blaming others and maintaining a heavy police presence in cities with frequent night raids.
• 📱 The government's crackdown includes arrests for political messages on phones, videos, or the use of VPNs, indicating a broader attempt to suppress dissent.
• 🔒 Despite arrests and torture, students vow to continue their movement until their 9-point demand for democratic reforms and accountability is met.
• 🏫 The student protests are fueled by more than just the quota issue; they reflect a larger concern about the deteriorating economic and job situation in Bangladesh.
• 🌐 Internet bans and media restrictions by Hasina's government have raised suspicions of attempts to hide the death toll and suppress information about the protests.
• 👀 The return of internet access has allowed evidence of police brutality to surface, further inflaming public anger and leading to renewed protests.
• 🏥 The use of pellet guns by the police has resulted in a surge of injuries, with over 500 patients treated for pellet gun injuries in a single hospital in Dhaka.
• 🌍 International criticism, including from the European Union, has targeted the police brutality and called for the punishment of those responsible, with some advocating for Hasina to be taken to the International Criminal Court.

Q & A

What initially triggered the student protests in Bangladesh?

The student protests in Bangladesh initially started as an anti-quota agitation against a 30% quota for freedom fighters, which was later removed by the Supreme Court.

How has the nature of the protests evolved?

The protests have evolved from being an anti-quota agitation to a pro-democracy movement due to the alleged brutality of Sheikh Hasina's government against the protesters.

What is the current status of the number of casualties according to official and unofficial reports?

Officially, 200 people are reported dead, but according to unofficial reports, the death toll could be over 1000, with more than 20,000 injured and over 9000 protesters in jail.

What are the 9-point demands of the students of Bangladesh?

The script does not detail the 9-point demands, but it emphasizes that the students' movement will continue until these demands are met, which now include democracy, accountability, and the removal of the quota system.

Why are students still angry despite the removal of the 30% Freedom Fighter quota by the Supreme Court?

The students are still angry due to the government's response to the protests, including alleged police and military brutality, killings, kidnappings, and torture of student organizers.

What actions have been taken by the government to suppress the protests?

The government has allegedly used police and military force, including shooting protesters, conducting night raids, arresting students with political messages or VPNs, and implementing internet bans.

How has the international community reacted to the situation in Bangladesh?

The European Union has criticized the police brutality and demanded punishment for the culprits, with some efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

What evidence has surfaced regarding the government's actions during the protests?

Video evidence has surfaced showing police brutality, such as the killing of Abu Sayeed, and reports of sniper fire from helicopters in universities, as well as the use of pellet guns causing severe injuries.

What are the allegations against the police and Border Guard Bangladesh during the protests?

There are allegations of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh using excessive force, including shooting unarmed students, executing 'shoot at sight' orders, and using pellet guns, which have resulted in many injuries.

How has Sheikh Hasina's government responded to the allegations of police and military brutality?

Sheikh Hasina's government has not taken responsibility for the alleged atrocities, instead blaming others, calling protesters opposition agents and terrorists, and attempting to discredit the movement.

What is the potential impact of the protests on Bangladesh's political future?

The protests could signify the beginning of the end for Sheikh Hasina's rule, with students potentially becoming a progressive alternative force in Bangladesh's politics, influencing the country's democratic future.