Recent developments in Bangladesh mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, with profound implications for the future of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent flight after 15 years of control opens the possibility for a new chapter for the country. Hasina’s resignation came after weeks of protests led predominantly by Bangladesh’s youth and university students. While the protests initially erupted over a controversial quota system for government jobs, it quickly evolved into a broader people’s movement against authoritarianism, widespread corruption, human rights abuses such as extrajudicial killings, and economic mismanagement. As of August 8, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of an interim government, providing both a moment of reckoning and a rare opportunity for transformative change.
Sakhi for South Asian Survivors recognizes the resilience and determination of Bangladesh’s youth, who persevered in the face of overwhelming state-sanctioned violence and brutal repression. Hundreds of protestors were killed and thousands were injured and unlawfully detained without charge by Hasina’s government forces and party supporters. Successfully ousting Hasina is a powerful reminder of the importance and the potential of grassroots movements in challenging entrenched power structures. The youth of Bangladesh have proven they are a formidable force for change that must not be overlooked or forgotten in the future of the nation.
The coming months are crucial in determining whether the interim government will pave the way for meaningful reform or simply maintain the status quo. This delicate period must prepare for free and fair elections and address the structural issues that have allowed cycles of power and abuse to persist. The stakes are high, and the people of Bangladesh deserve a government that prioritizes justice, transparency, accountability, and equality.
We are working closely with members of the Sakhi community and their families affected by this violence to ensure they have the support and resources they need. Here in New York, Sakhi is acutely aware of the impact of the crisis on the Bangladeshi diaspora. Survivors have shared with us the disruption of vital support systems due to challenges in communicating with loved ones back home. The violence is deeply traumatizing, reopening wounds for those who have experienced similar destabilization before. The Bangladeshi community is grappling with internal turmoil and division in the wake of Hasina’s resignation and its implications for the future of the Awami League. Misinformation and propaganda are rampant across social media and news outlets, further complicating efforts to discern the truth during this rapidly changing situation.
At Sakhi, we stand with our community as Bangladesh enters this crucial phase in its pursuit of justice and liberation. Sakhi advocates are actively engaging with community members to provide essential information and resources to ensure safe communication with loved ones in Bangladesh. We have been sharing accurate and impartial news and updates with the Sakhi community to keep our community well-informed. In the coming weeks, Sakhi will offer safe spaces for collective healing to help our community–including our own Sakhi team members–process the trauma triggered by the recent violence. Dr. Dina M. Siddiqi, a member of Sakhi’s Board, took part in the protests in Bangladesh, exemplifying Sakhi’s commitment to accountability and justice.
Although the future of Bangladesh remains uncertain, it carries the potential for a transformative new beginning—one where the voices of the oppressed can rise and lead the nation toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.