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State of the World from NPR

Protests Force Bangladesh's Longest-Serving Prime Minister to Flee

Aug 6, 2024
This week’s guest is a journalist who was imprisoned for six years for standing up against the Bangladeshi government. They discuss the recent dramatic flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst violent protests. The conversation explores the roots of the unrest and its implications for Bangladesh's future. They reflect on the atmosphere of fear and resilience in the face of authoritarian rule. Personal anecdotes reveal the community's desire for justice and change, shedding light on the continuing struggle for democracy.
08:51
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Quick takeaways

  • The protests in Bangladesh escalated from demands for job quota reforms to a broader movement against authoritarianism, leading to Prime Minister Hasina's departure.
  • Public sentiment following Hasina's exit showcased a yearning for freedom and accountability, as citizens celebrated while reflecting on past struggles against oppression.

Deep dives

Sheikh Hasina's Departure and Interim Government Formation

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, was forced to flee the country amidst widespread protests that escalated from peaceful demonstrations to violent confrontations. Following her departure, which marked the end of her 15-year rule, an interim government led by her longtime critic, Mohammed Yunus, was established. The protests were initially sparked by demands to reduce job quotas favoring descendants of war veterans, but they quickly transformed into a call to oust Hasina, reflecting deep-seated frustrations regarding her government's authoritarian practices. Major protests resulted in extreme violence, with over 90 fatalities as protesters rushed to the capital, Dhaka, symbolizing a significant and unexpected political upheaval in the country.

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