No country could perform if the leader would be treated distinctively and discriminately. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh have just resigned and literally escaped from Bangladesh and heading towards Delhi according to latest news. The question arises that why a country having a global recognition and a heroic history of liberation is suffering from this huge crisis by her own people?
Bangladesh was formed on 26th of March, 1971. The launch of Operation Search light and declaration of independence marked the start of Bangladesh Liberation War on this day. This war lasted for nine months and ended on December 16, 1971. This day commemorates the surrender of Pakistan to Bangladesh India joint forces at the end of Bangladesh Liberation War. It is now celebrated as Vijay Diwas in India.
Currently, the quota reform movement which was reignited in June 2024, has led to unrest in the country. The main protest is sparked by the reinstatement of the reservation of thirty-percent of government jobs in public sector for the descendants of the freedom fighters whose contributions made Bangladesh a liberated and free country.
Government’s heavy-handed response has resulted in numerous casualties and injuries to the people. Reports indicates over 150 people have been killed and led thousands injured, and many others arrested during the clashes. Unfortunately, this issue has taken over the quota issue and the situations are now uncontrollable in Bangladesh. Despite the supreme court ruling to largely scale back the quota system, recommending that ninety-three percent of government jobs should be based on merit, tensions remains high. Protestors are arguing that their demands have not been fully addressed and continue to seek justice for the violence inflicted during the protests.
India, having a common issue upon the reservation, not based on reservation for freedom fighters as in Bangladesh but on caste reservation which have different perspectives of people, should learn a few lessons from the situation in her sub-continent. India should ensure that policies, especially related to job reservations are transparent and inclusive and engages all the stakeholders as well as the youth, to help prevent misunderstandings.
India, having witnessed these kind of protests as in Bangladesh should focus on proportional and humane response to prioritize dialogue and negotiation over force. Addressing and ensuring accountability in government actions are essential for India to tackle these issues and maintain public trust.
It is our time to understand these measures and ensure that people use their rational interests rather than occupying violence to make the government listen to them. The current situation of Bangladesh has no single reason to blame, but its functioning itself gives us a broader structure to prevent these protests in India.
India is yet to complete its hundred years of Independence and it has witnessed several events that has s prevented her to progress. India 2047 should be the goal of each and every individual of India to make it a moment worth living.