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Student Movement Leads to Political Shift in Bangladesh
DHAKA (Reuters) – Nahid Islam, a notable sociology student often seen with a Bangladeshi flag across his forehead, emerged as a key figure in the protests that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had held power for 15 consecutive years.
At just 26 years old, Islam coordinated a significant student movement that initially targeted government job quotas but evolved into a broader campaign to remove Hasina from office. His visibility surged in mid-July when he, along with fellow students from Dhaka University, was arrested during protests that escalated into violence.
The turmoil saw nearly 300 individuals, predominantly students, lose their lives in the unrest that persisted until Hasina’s resignation and subsequent retreat to India on Monday.
On Tuesday, Islam and other student leaders were scheduled to meet with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who had just announced Hasina’s exit and indicated that an interim government would be established.
Islam, known for his calm yet assertive demeanor, made it clear that the students would reject any government that was army-led or supported, advocating instead for Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to serve as chief adviser. In a Facebook post, he stated, “Any government other than the one we recommended would not be accepted.”
In a press statement on Monday, flanked by fellow activists, Islam proclaimed, “We won’t betray the blood shed by the martyrs for our cause,” emphasizing the movement’s commitment to creating a new democratic framework in Bangladesh that prioritizes life security, social justice, and a transformed political environment.
He also underscored the importance of protecting the Hindu minority and their places of worship, asserting a vision for an inclusive national identity.
Born in Dhaka in 1998, Islam is married and has a younger brother, Nakib, who is studying geography. Nakib expressed pride in his brother’s resilience: “He has incredible stamina and always said the country needed to change. Despite facing torture at the hands of the police, he remains steadfast in his fight for justice.”
Sabrina Karim, an associate professor of government at Cornell University specializing in political violence, termed the events of Monday as historic, suggesting that this may signify a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. “This might very well be the first successful Gen Z-led revolution,” she noted, citing a glimmer of hope for a democratic transition, even if military involvement persists in the process.
The unfolding situation in Bangladesh illustrates the potent role of youth activism in shaping the political landscape, signaling a potential shift towards greater democratic governance in the country.
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