'Long March to Dhaka' that Sheikh Hasina couldn't stop

Sheikh Hasina's exit reminds many of Khaleda Zia's fate in 1996.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and escape from Dhaka marks a new chapter in the country's tumultuous history.

Hasina had been in power since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January, but her government had been facing mounting criticism from rights groups for allegedly misusing state institutions to maintain its grip on power and suppress dissent. 

The latest wave of protests began over the reintroduction of a quota scheme for government jobs, which was later scaled back by the country's top court. However, the demonstrations continued to escalate, with vast crowds taking to the streets, tearing down barriers, and demanding Hasina's resignation.

On Monday, soldiers and police had barricaded routes to Hasina's office with barbed wire, but protesters flooded the streets, with estimates suggesting up to four lakh people participated. 

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Dhaka as part of the "Long March to Dhaka" program, organized by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. Protesters were seen waving national flags, chanting slogans, and holding up "V for Victory" signs, creating a festive atmosphere.

Key protest leader Asif Mahmud declared, "The time has come for the final protest." Notably, security forces did not intervene to stem the protests, unlike in previous rallies that ended in deadly crackdowns.

Notably, many protesters were seen interacting with the army, shaking hands, and exchanging greetings. The scene bore a striking resemblance to the events of March 1996, when then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia resigned amidst persistent public pressure. 

Experts say the protests have gained immense momentum, fueled by widespread anger and a sense of national solidarity. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, observed, "The walls are closing in on Hasina: She's rapidly losing support and legitimacy." 

In a significant rebuke, former army chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan demanded the government withdraw troops and allow protests, stating, "Those responsible for pushing people to extreme misery will have to be brought to justice."