Jannatul Prome is eager to leave Bangladesh in search of better educational opportunities or job prospects once she completes her university degree. She feels disillusioned by a system that neglects meritocracy and limits the possibilities for young individuals.
“We have very limited opportunities here,” expressed the 21-year-old student, who would have already left if financial constraints did not stand in her way of pursuing higher education abroad along with her older brother simultaneously.
Recent events have instilled hope in Prome that one day she might return to a transformed Bangladesh. After 15 years in power, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country last week, driven out by young protesters like Prome who are fed up with her increasingly autocratic rule that suppressed dissent, favored the elite, and exacerbated inequalities.
The initial catalyst for the protests was the demand to abolish quotas that reserved up to 30% of government jobs for descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971. Protesters argued that this system unfairly benefited supporters of Hasina’s ruling party, further amplifying class divisions.
These civil service jobs, being stable and well-paying, were pivotal in driving the movement as Bangladesh’s growing economy failed to create adequate employment opportunities for its educated middle class.
The involvement of Generation Z in the uprising was expected, given that young individuals like Prome are most affected by the lack of prospects in Bangladesh and are not constrained by traditional norms and biases represented by the quota system.
As the demonstrations gained momentum, clashes ensued between the protesters and security forces, resulting in fatalities that only fueled the outcry against Hasina’s regime.
The protesters, many of whom cannot recall a time before Hasina’s tenure, are seeking a departure from the narrative of the independence struggle that once defined the country and are eager for a new direction.
The economic hardships faced by Bangladesh’s youth have swayed many to seek opportunities abroad, contributing to a brain drain that undermines the growth of the middle class and exacerbates class disparities.
Despite the challenges, the protesters did not anticipate the prompt resignation of Hasina, marking a significant victory for the youth-driven movement.
While the initial elation is waning, the youth are hopeful for meaningful reforms under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and are looking towards a future with a new political establishment devoid of dynastic leadership.
The young protesters, often characterized as the generation that detests politics, are aiming for structural changes that can reshape Bangladesh’s political landscape and foster inclusivity and progress.
Amidst the uncertainty, there is a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in Bangladesh as the youth work towards a more equitable and democratic society.
