In a surprising turn of events, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned amid escalating protests in her country and fled to Agartala, Tripura. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the people of Bengal to remain calm and avoid succumbing to rumors during this tumultuous period.
A Call for Peace and Support
“Maintain peace and do not pay attention to any rumors,” Banerjee stated, expressing her support for the Modi government’s decisions regarding the unfolding situation in Bangladesh. This appeal for peace comes as tensions run high along the 4,096.7 km-long India-Bangladesh border, the longest border India shares with any neighboring country.
The Catalyst: Controversial Quota System
The protests in Bangladesh began over a month ago, with violence intensifying last month, resulting in at least 300 deaths, according to AFP. The primary catalyst for the unrest has been the controversial civil service job quota system, which reserved positions for descendants of those who participated in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan. Despite the Supreme Court scaling down the disputed reservation, the protests persisted, leading to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
A Nation in Turmoil
The widespread outrage was sparked by Bangladesh’s High Court reinstating quotas in June after they were halted in 2018. The situation escalated when the Supreme Court ordered reducing the veterans’ quota to 5%, allocating 93% of government jobs based on merit. The remaining 2% of jobs were designated for ethnic minorities, transgender, and disabled people. This decision faced fierce opposition, culminating in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
What Lies Ahead?
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has prompted the BSF to issue a ‘high alert’ along the Indo-Bangla border. With Sheikh Hasina reportedly heading for Delhi, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
As West Bengal braces for potential spillover effects, Mamata Banerjee’s appeal for peace and support for the central government’s decisions highlight the delicate balance required to navigate this crisis.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds, bringing new challenges and dynamics to the region’s political landscape.
