They’re Selling the Revolution”: Bangladesh One Year After Hasina’s Fall
First anniversary of the student‐led uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024
Rise and Fall of Hasina
Sheikh Hasina—Bangladesh’s longest-serving PM—was deposed amid mass protests triggered by a controversial job quota system. A brutal government crackdown caused hundreds of deaths in July 2024 and culminated in Hasina fleeing to India on August 5 The Guardian+8Al Jazeera+8Reuters+8.
Gen‑Z Revolution & Interim Government
Initially a students‑led movement, the uprising brought together citizens from all walks of life. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads the interim government, pledging reforms and free and fair elections next year Wikipédia+10Reuters+10AP News+10.
“Selling the Revolution”
Despite hopeful beginnings, voices across Bangladesh warn the revolution’s unity and promise have been undermined by political factions jockeying for power:
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Fragmented reform efforts: Opposition groups like BNP and new student parties diverge on demands—some calling for immediate elections, others demanding deeper structural reforms. A National Consensus Commission remains gridlocked over constitutional changes like a bicameral parliament and independent oversight institutions economictimes.indiatimes.com+15Al Jazeera+15tbsnews.net+15.
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Critics warn the revolution’s ideals are being co-opted by new political elites, compromising the genuine change sought by the protest movement Al JazeeraAl Jazeera.
Reforms, Protests & Bans
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The Awami League political party remains banned and deregistered under anti-terrorism laws. Hasina faces multiple charges, including crimes against humanity.
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Civil unrest persists: 637 lynchings and mob attacks have been recorded, and human rights groups report misuse of power and ongoing detentions.
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Women’s and minority rights advocates note that revolutionary hopes for inclusion have yet to materialize in policymaking.
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Anniversary Events & Declaration
Dhaka has been preparing for mass rallies, concerts, and memorials marking the anniversary, culminating in the unveiling of the “July Declaration”—a charter for democratic reform supported by Yunus, BNP, and civil society.
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However, many analysts express doubt that without a constitutional mandate or unified political backing, the document risks being symbolic rather than transformative.
Final Takeaway
One year after Hasina’s overthrow, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The revolution united millions—but political fragmentation, ongoing instability, and stalled reforms threaten to unravel its legacy. While the “July Declaration” reflects aspirations for democracy, its impact remains unsettled: is Bangladesh entering renewal—or repeating its own history of failed progress?
