Amid an unemployment crisis, the Bangladeshi government has violently suppressed student protests advocating for equitable access to government jobs. The government’s response included shutting down educational institutions, imposing curfews, and cutting off internet access. The heavy-handed tactics led to around 200 deaths and widespread unrest in the country.
The crackdown highlights the underlying issues of corruption, cronyism, and inequality in Bangladesh, despite its progress in development and political stability since gaining independence. The youth uprising, reminiscent of the Arab Spring, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing emerging economies like Bangladesh, where economic growth can be accompanied by authoritarianism.