Author: M. Niaz Asadullah

DHAKA – The power of youth was demonstrated in Bangladesh on Aug. 5 when the authoritarian ruler, Sheikh Hasina, was unexpectedly overthrown. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus hailed it as the country’s “second independence day.” This remarkable event was triggered by a peaceful student protest against the public-sector job quota system, which quickly snowballed into a full-fledged Gen Z revolution against the government. Amidst growing dissatisfaction with economic hardships, corruption, and government crackdowns, the youth of Bangladesh found their voice and ignited a spark that could not be ignored. As Yemeni peace activist Tawakkol Karman once said, youth is…

The Struggle for Jobs and Justice in Bangladesh Bangladesh, a country with a promising emerging economy, has been rocked by recent violent protests stemming from an unemployment crisis and government corruption. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration, in power since 2009, has failed to fulfill promises of job creation, leading to widespread discontent. The current youth protests, akin to the Arab Spring, highlight the underlying issues of inequality and authoritarianism that accompany economic growth. The government’s job-quota system, designed to benefit loyalists, has exacerbated the situation, leading to demands for reform and equitable employment opportunities. Despite recent court rulings to address…