Students Who Ousted Hasina Now Lead Bangladesh from Streets to Ministries

Photo : AP

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Just a week after toppling Bangladesh’s longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, the students who orchestrated her removal have swiftly stepped into new roles. These student activists are now taking charge of Dhaka’s traffic, equipped with neon vests and university IDs, as they fill the void left by a police strike. They’re diligently checking driver licenses, ensuring seatbelt compliance, and even inspecting car trunks for hidden assets, believed to be from the previous administration.

The transition from protestors to public servants has been rapid and dramatic. Within days of Hasina’s resignation and subsequent flight to India in a military helicopter, the students have assumed significant roles in the interim government they helped establish. Two prominent student leaders are now part of this interim administration: Asif Mahmud is overseeing the Sports and Youth Ministry, and Nahid Islam is managing the Ministry of Information and Technology.

Hasina, who governed Bangladesh for over two decades and secured four consecutive terms, was once seen as an unshakeable force in Bangladeshi politics. Her rule, however, became increasingly autocratic, which sparked widespread unrest and led to her swift ousting. The students’ initial demands for reform of a quota system for government jobs escalated into a broader revolt, reflecting deep-seated dissatisfaction with her administration.

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As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Hasina’s removal—marked by significant violence and hundreds of deaths—the students are determined to usher in a new era of peace and democracy. Mahmud, one of the student leaders now in government, expressed the gravity of their responsibility: “We’ve got a big responsibility. We never thought we would take such a responsibility at this age.” Despite the pressures, he remains confident in their ability to effect change.

The students’ rise to power, while marked by their bold actions and evident dedication, raises concerns due to their lack of political experience. The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is tasked primarily with organizing elections. Yunus, renowned for his microcredit work, is committed to involving students in every ministry, a move he believes will bring fresh perspectives to governance.

Critics, however, caution against the potential for students to become power-hungry and warn that an unelected interim government lacks the mandate to implement significant reforms. Zillur Rahman, from the Center for Governance Studies, emphasizes that the interim administration’s main role should be to facilitate elections rather than undertake major policy changes.

Meanwhile, the students continue to assert their influence. They have initiated protests demanding resignations from officials closely associated with the former government and witnessed several high-profile resignations, including Supreme Court justices and the central bank governor. Their call for a new governance model, free from the traditional political parties like the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, resonates with many citizens eager for change.

Alvi Mahmud, an 18-year-old student, believes that if the interim government succeeds, it could lead to a shift away from old political structures. “People will not want BNP or Awami League or any traditional, old parties. They will want change,” he said.

The path ahead remains uncertain, particularly regarding when elections might be held. Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has indicated that the party is willing to give the interim government time to create a conducive environment for democratic elections, which could help stabilize the political climate.

As the country adjusts to this new chapter, students are also engaged in rebuilding efforts. They are actively involved in cleaning up areas affected by recent violence, including university campuses and streets previously marked by conflict. They are also working to restore symbols of unity and change, as seen in the replacement of defaced murals with messages celebrating their fight for a better Bangladesh.

The enduring question remains: Can the student-led interim government navigate the complex transition and deliver the reforms needed to secure a stable and democratic future for Bangladesh?

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