Source: The Indian Express

Introduction

Bangladesh has experienced a major political upheaval. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned and left the country amid widespread protests and unrest. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-uz-Zaman, has announced the formation of an interim government with the support of political parties. This development marks a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, ending Hasina's 15-year tenure as Prime Minister and raising questions about the nation's future stability and governance.

What is Military Coup?

• A military coup, or coup d'état, is the sudden, illegal seizure of state power by a faction within the country's armed forces.
• Coups typically involve the forceful removal of an existing government by military leaders.
• The term "coup d'état" is French for "stroke of state" or "blow against the state."
• Military coups often occur in countries with weak democratic institutions or a history of military interference in politics.
• Coups can be violent or bloodless, depending on the level of resistance encountered.
• Coups often result in the suspension of constitutions, dissolution of legislatures, and imposition of martial law.
• Some coups are motivated by ideological differences, while others are driven by personal ambition or economic interests.
• Failed coups can lead to severe repercussions for the plotters, including execution or long-term imprisonment.
• Successful coups sometimes lead to prolonged military rule, as seen in many African and Latin American countries.
• The aftermath of coups can include political instability, economic disruption, and human rights violations.
• Some coups have been supported or orchestrated by foreign powers to advance their geopolitical interests.
• The frequency of military coups has decreased globally since the end of the Cold War.
• Democratic consolidation and stronger civilian control over the military have made coups less common in many regions.

What are the Historical Incidents of Military Coups?

Who is Protesting Against Job Quotas in Bangladesh?

• In Bangladesh, job quotas are currently being protested by a diverse group of individuals, including students, job seekers, and activists.
• These protests are primarily against the government's quota system in public sector jobs, which some argue unfairly benefits certain groups and affects merit-based recruitment.
• The demonstrators seek to reform or abolish the existing quota system to ensure fairer opportunities based on merit rather than reserved quotas.

What is the Quota System in Bangladesh?

• It's a system of reservations in government jobs and higher education for certain groups.
• The quota system reserves 56% of government jobs for various categories, leaving 44% for general candidates.
  • Major beneficiaries include freedom fighters and their descendants, who are allocated 30% of government jobs.
  • Women are allocated 10% of government jobs under this system.
  • Ethnic minorities and people with disabilities also have quotas.
• The system was introduced to promote equal opportunities and representation for disadvantaged groups.
• It has faced criticism and protests, particularly from students and job seekers who feel it's unfair to general candidates.
• In 2018, following large-scale protests, the government announced reforms to the quota system, reducing quotas in most government jobs.
• The freedom fighter quota remains a particularly contentious issue.
• Recently, the Bangladesh Supreme Court ordered that 93% of government jobs in the country be allocated to merit-based systems allocated on a merit-based system.
  • Under the revised system, 5% of civil service positions will still be reserved for children of war veterans who fought for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
  • An additional 2% will be allocated for other designated categories.

What is the Impact of the Incident on Bangladesh's Statehood?

• Article 1 of Montevideo Convention:
  • Article 1 of Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States deals with the State.
  • It states that the State as a person of international law should possess the following qualification:
    • Permanent population
    • A defined territory
    • Government
    • Capacity to enter relations with other states (Sovereignty).
• Bangladesh
  • Government: The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim government by the Bangladesh Army represents a major shift in governance structure, potentially challenging the stability of the state's government.
  • Sovereignty: The involvement of the military in forming an interim government raises questions about the civilian control of the state and its sovereignty.
    • International Relations: Bangladesh's capacity to enter into relations with other states may be affected, particularly given India's close relationship with the outgoing government and the uncertainty surrounding the new leadership.
    • Internal Control: The protests and defiance of curfew orders indicate a breakdown in the state's ability to maintain order, which is a key aspect of statehood.
  • Territorial Integrity: While not directly threatened, the potential for increased instability could have implications for Bangladesh's ability to maintain control over its defined territory.
  • Population: The events demonstrate significant dissatisfaction among the population, potentially affecting the unity and cohesion of the state's permanent population.

Conclusion

Bangladesh is going through a major crisis with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepping down and the military taking over. This has caused a lot of instability and raised doubts about the country’s political future. Protests and unrest highlight serious issues with how the country is being governed. As Bangladesh tries to deal with these challenges, its stability and democratic processes are at a critical point, making it crucial to find a fair and effective solution to restore order.