Written By Lisa Murimi
The chant “One, two, three, four, Sheikh Hasina is a dictator!” has echoed through the streets of Bangladesh, marking a dramatic shift in the nation’s political landscape.
For the first time in years, the 76-year-old Prime Minister faces unprecedented mass protests demanding her resignation.
The demonstrations, which have intensified over recent weeks, erupted into a violent clash on July 25 near Tinzaouaten, involving Malian soldiers, Russian Wagner mercenaries, and Tuareg rebels.
With a nationwide curfew in effect, fears of escalating violence loom large as protesters prepare to march in Dhaka, the capital.
Despite the unrest, Hasina has remained defiant, dismissing protesters as “terrorists” and rejecting their demands.
Law Minister Anisul Huq has labeled the calls for her resignation as “unjustified,” attributing the unrest to emotional reactions rather than political grievances.
The violence has led to at least 90 deaths, including 13 police officers, in what critics describe as “carnage.”
The military, which Hasina has relied on to quell the unrest, faces a delicate situation, with some ex-military personnel expressing support for the protests.
India, Bangladesh’s key ally, continues to back Hasina due to strategic interests, though local sentiment against India’s support persists.
As the situation remains volatile, questions arise about how long Hasina can maintain control amid growing calls for change and increasing international scrutiny.
