Protest organized by Bangladeshis at West Side Park, Champaign on August 3. Photo by G’son Biswas, used with permission
What began as a student-led protest demanding quota reform in the allocation of Bangladesh’s government jobs rapidly transformed into a revolutionary movement that dismantled an autocratic regime in just two months. As Bangladeshi citizens studying in the United States, we witnessed these historic events unfold from afar, providing us with a unique blend of distance and immediacy. The recent revolution in Bangladesh is both a deeply personal and profoundly significant occurrence for us, resonating on intellectual and emotional levels. This uprising, marked by widespread protests and a clamor for democratic reforms, highlights the resilience and determination of our fellow Bangladeshis.
The Seeds of Discontent
The roots of this revolution stretch back years, nourished by growing dissatisfaction among the Bangladeshi populace. The nation has struggled with persistent issues of corruption, economic inequality, and political repression. Despite notable progress in economic growth and social development, these systemic problems have eroded public trust in the autocratic government. The immediate spark for the recent upheaval was a student-led movement against the quota system—a system that had long been criticized for its lack of meritocracy.
In Bangladesh, government jobs were subject to a quota system that allocated positions to various groups. These quotas ranged from 56 percent to as high as 96 percent in some cases, with the largest share of 30 percent reserved for the families of freedom fighters. A “freedom fighter” is an individual who participated in the Liberation War of 1971, which led to the country’s independence. These fighters, comprised of students, civilians, and members of the former East Pakistan (presently Bangladesh) military, took up arms against the West Pakistani army to secure the nation’s freedom. The legacy of these individuals is deeply embedded in the nation’s history and is considered a foundational aspect of modern Bangladesh.
Even though freedom fighters and their descendants make up less than five percent of the population 53 years after independence, this quota was extended to include even their grandchildren. The system was not only seen as an affront to merit-based employment, but was also marred by corruption and favoritism. Students initially protested this system in 2018, leading Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to announce that the quota system would be abolished.
However, in 2024, a court decision reversed this reform, reinstating the previous quota system. This decision reignited student protests in early July. Instead of addressing the grievances through dialogue, the government chose to violently suppress the demonstrations. Law enforcement and the ruling party Awami League’s student wing, Chhatra League, took aggressive measures against the unarmed protesters, resulting in nearly 300 deaths within just two weeks.
Solidarity and International Response
On July 17, the Bangladeshi Students Association at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (BSA-UIUC) and the Bangladeshi community in the Urbana-Champaign area expressed solidarity with the quota-reform protesters and condemned the human rights violations occurring back home. We organized a human chain of 60 people on campus that day, demonstrating our support for the movement and raising awareness about the crisis in Bangladesh.
The human chain organized by Bangladeshis on the UIUC Campus in July. Photo by G’son Biswas, used with permission
In response to the escalating violence, the Hasina-led government implemented an internet shutdown from July 17–22. This shutdown severely crippled our ability to communicate with our families and receive updates on the situation. State control over the media further isolated us from the unfolding events. As the crackdown continued and the internet remained down, the movement’s focus shifted from mere quota reform to a broader demand for the removal of the autocratic government.
Mobilizing the Diaspora
As international students, we were profoundly disturbed by the atrocities unfolding in Bangladesh. We aligned ourselves with the new movement and sought ways to support it by raising international awareness. The BSA-UIUC, alongside other Bangladeshi communities and student associations across the USA, organized a protest with a singular, urgent demand: Prime Minister Hasina’s immediate resignation.
Protest organized by Bangladeshis at West Side Park, Champaign on August 3. Photo by G’son Biswas, used with permission
We held the protest on August 3 at West Side Park in Champaign. Armed with banners, posters, and flags, we marched through downtown Champaign, chanting slogans to draw attention to the situation. Our efforts extended beyond the protest itself. We encouraged people to limit or halt sending foreign remittances that indirectly supported the autocratic regime. We also reached out to US elected officials, urging them to apply international pressure on the Bangladeshi government to step down and cease the violence, and try to increase international awareness through social media campaigns.
Protest organized by Bangladeshis at West Side Park, Champaign on August 3. Photo by G’son Biswas, used with permission
The Fall of the Regime and its Aftermath
Just two days after our protest, Hasina resigned and fled the country, ending her 15-year rule. The general populace reacted with jubilation, taking to the streets in celebratory acts that included destroying the statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and looting the prime minister’s residence. This looting has sparked varied interpretations. Some see it as anarchic mob action, a chaotic outpouring of pent-up frustrations. Others view it as a justified expression of popular rage, symbolizing the dismantling of the power structures and wealth accumulated by a regime perceived as corrupt and oppressive. This action embodies the broader sentiment of a populace striving to reclaim agency and justice after years of marginalization and suppression.
Despite the initial euphoria, a sense of civic duty soon prevailed, and many looted items were subsequently returned. However, the absence of a stable government led to a power vacuum, resulting in escalating unrest and a persistently unstable situation, marked by widespread violence—especially against Hindu families—and rampant robberies, further exacerbating the overall chaos. To further complicate matters, the identities of the attackers remained unknown, and rumors proliferated, obscuring the facts. In response, students and local citizens formed vigilante groups to restore order and launched fundraising initiatives to support affected minorities, demonstrating a strong community effort to overcome the turmoil.
A New Dawn with Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Amid the chaos, a substantial glimmer of hope has emerged with the establishment of an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance and social business through the founding of Grameen Bank, has dedicated his career to poverty alleviation and economic inclusivity. His innovative approaches have earned him global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize. The emergence of Yunus as the head of the interim government highlights a shift towards governance that prioritizes social justice, economic reform, and transparency. His leadership is expected to bring a focus on grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions, potentially fostering a more inclusive political environment. His track record of integrity and his emphasis on ethical governance inspire confidence in his ability to tackle the systemic issues that have long plagued the nation. His ascension is viewed with hope, signifying a commitment to steering Bangladesh towards a more equitable and prosperous future, where democracy and human rights are upheld.
A Commitment to Democracy
As international students, we remain staunch supporters of democracy and human rights. Our experiences and observations have only deepened our commitment to these values. We are dedicated to doing everything in our power to support our country during this tumultuous time. While fraught with challenges, this revolution represents a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. It underscores the power of collective action and the enduring quest for justice.
The rapid transformation of a protest for quota reform into a movement that toppled an autocratic regime is a testament to the power of popular dissent and the demand for democratic governance. From our vantage point in the US, we continue to stand in solidarity with our compatriots, hopeful for a future where democracy and human rights prevail in Bangladesh.
Tahsina Alam is a PhD student in the UIUC Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and social chair of the UIUC Bangladeshi Students Association (BSA-UIUC).
Humayra Oishi is a PhD student in the UIUC Department of Cell & Developmental Biology and BSA-UIUC cultural chair.
Mahmuda Arshee is a PhD student in the UIUC Department of Mechanical Engineering and BSA-UIUC event management secretary.
Mehzabin Morshed is a PhD student in the UIUC Department of Bioengineering and BSA-UIUC Fundraising Chair.
Nusrat Chowdhury is a PhD student in the UIUC Department of Mechanical Engineering and
BSA-UIUC cultural secretary.
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