How did student protests bring down Bangladesh's Prime Minister?

What in the World

• Episode: How did student protests bring down Bangladesh's Prime Minister?
• Website: What in the World
• Feed URL: https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/w13xtvrv.rss
• Duration: 00:12:30
• Published: 2024-08-06 16:17

There are celebrations in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation after weeks of violent unrest.

Many have described the past month as one of the worst periods of violence seen in Bangladesh since the country formed five decades ago. Student protests against quotas in government jobs escalated into an anti-government movement after a violent crackdown by security forces and pro-government student groups have seen around 400 people killed.

The country remains in a state of chaos after the Prime Minister hastily fled the country before protestors stormed her official residence.

Until recently, 30% of civil service roles in Bangladesh were reserved for the children and grandchildren of people who fought for the country’s independence back in 1971, a system protestors said benefitted those close to the ruling party.

Protestors share their experiences and our BBC reporter in Dhaka, Akbar Hossain, explains how the student protests changed course and dramatically ended the 76 year-old leader’s 15 year reign. We also hear from Rani Singh, who previously interviewed Sheikh Hasina at her palace.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Kevyah Cardoso and William Lee Adams Editor: Emily Horler and Rosanna La-Falce