Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday 05 August 2024 following a violent crackdown on demonstrations that began as protests against job quotas and escalated into a widespread movement demanding her resignation. This dramatic political upheaval has far-reaching implications, not only within Bangladesh but also for those who sought asylum in the UK due to their opposition to the Awami League-led government.
In Dhaka, jubilant crowds stormed the opulent grounds of the presidential residence, looting furniture and other valuables. One man was seen balancing a red velvet, gilt-edged chair on his head, while another carried an armful of vases. Elsewhere, protesters defaced a statue of Hasina's father, state founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, chiselling away at the head with an axe. The chaotic scenes marked the end of Hasina's 15-year second stint in power, during which she ruled for 20 of the last 30 years.
Hasina's departure came after her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, confirmed she had left for her safety. He told the BBC World Service that Hasina was "so disappointed that after all her hard work, a minority rose up against her" and that she would not attempt a political comeback. Her resignation was formally announced by army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman in a televised address to the nation. Zaman, who had taken over as army chief only on 23 June 2024, promised the formation of an interim government and urged the nation to return to peaceful ways.
The significant change in Bangladesh's political landscape could profoundly affect those who claimed asylum in the UK on the grounds of persecution by the Awami League-led government. The UK Home Office may now consider the cessation of refugee status for individuals whose fear of persecution is no longer well-founded due to the substantial change in circumstances in Bangladesh. Under Article 1C of the Refugee Convention and Paragraph 339A of the Immigration Rules, refugee status can be revoked if the reasons for seeking asylum have ceased to exist. The departure of Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of a new government may be viewed as a substantial and non-temporary change, potentially leading to the revocation of visas for those granted asylum based on opposition to Hasina's regime.
The unrest in Bangladesh began with student protests against job quotas, which reserve some public sector jobs for veterans of the 1971 war of independence. These quotas were seen as favouring allies of the ruling party. The protests, initially focused on this issue, quickly escalated into a broader campaign against Hasina's government, resulting in a crackdown that left around 250 people dead and thousands injured.
Weeks of violence culminated in the deaths of nearly 100 people in clashes between police and protesters on Sunday, including at least 13 policemen. This was the highest death toll for a single day of protests in Bangladesh's recent history, surpassing the 67 deaths reported on 19 July during earlier demonstrations. The government had declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday and announced a three-day general holiday beginning Monday. Despite these measures, the unrest continued, with attacks, vandalism, and arson targeting government buildings, offices of the Awami League party, police stations, and homes of public representatives. Garment factories, which supply apparel to some of the world's top brands, were closed indefinitely.
Critics of Hasina, along with human rights groups, accused her government of using excessive force against protesters, a charge that Hasina and her ministers denied. Hasina maintained that "those who are carrying out violence are not students but terrorists who are out to destabilise the nation."
Following her departure, Hasina's son defended her record, emphasising the economic progress made under her leadership. He stated that she had transformed Bangladesh from a failing state into one of Asia's rising economies. However, the country has recently faced slow economic growth, inflation, and unemployment, undermining the gains made during her tenure.
Opposition leaders, including Tarique Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, celebrated her resignation as a victory for the people. Rahman, the exiled eldest son of Hasina's long-time political rival Begum Khaleda Zia, called for rebuilding the nation into a democratic state where rights and freedoms are protected. He posted on social media, "Together, let's rebuild Bangladesh into a democratic and developed nation, where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected."
The future of Bangladesh's governance remains uncertain as the interim government takes shape. The nation grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented political upheaval. For those in the UK who sought asylum due to their opposition to the Awami League, the changing dynamics in Bangladesh could mean a re-evaluation of their refugee status and potential revocation of their visas. This situation highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of political asylum, where changes in the home country can have direct and profound impacts on those who have sought refuge abroad.