In Bangladesh, following the swift removal of the longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, by student-led protests, the students have taken on the responsibility of managing traffic in Dhaka. Sporting neon vests and wielding sticks and umbrellas, these students have stepped in to fill the void left by striking police officers, conducting traffic checks and ensuring road safety.
Two of the student leaders who played significant roles in the protests have now assumed positions in the interim government that was established shortly after Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country. Asif Mahmud, one of the protest leaders now overseeing the Sports and Youth Ministry, expressed the students’ determination to restore peace, democracy, and bring about a “new Bangladesh.”
The student-led movement initially focused on the demand to abolish a government job quota system perceived to favor Hasina’s allies but quickly escalated into a broader revolt against her rule. While the students have garnered widespread support, concerns have arisen regarding their lack of political experience and the timeline for organizing elections under the interim government.
Although the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, lacks an electoral mandate to implement major changes, it is urged to prioritize organizing elections by experts. Yunus has emphasized the involvement of students in various ministries, a move that some caution could potentially lead to power struggles.
Despite their limited governance experience, student-turned-ministers like Nahid Islam are confident in their ability to effect change, citing their success in toppling Hasina as evidence. The interim government has seen resignations from top officials close to Hasina, prompting calls for a neutral administration unrelated to traditional political parties.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the recent upheaval that resulted in hundreds of casualties, students are engaged in cleanup efforts, transitioning from protest sites to rebuilding efforts. Symbolic gestures like the toppling of a statue of Hasina’s father have been replaced by murals reflecting unity and aspirations for change by the students who spearheaded the movement.
