New Delhi: Following the recent outbreak of violence in Bangladesh that resulted in the loss of at least 300 lives, Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina tendered her resignation as Prime Minister on Monday. Subsequently, Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Hindon Indian Air Force base near Delhi at around 6 pm. In a televised address to the nation, Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman announced the military’s intention to establish an interim government. The situation in Bangladesh has been marked by intense street clashes, with an estimated death toll of at least 300. Despite these events, no official statement has been issued regarding the situation.
Similar to the protests against the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangladesh, there has been unrest against Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, along with political turmoil in Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan.
What led to the protests in Sri Lanka?
Despite facing its worst economic crisis in seven decades, Sri Lanka’s people showed remarkable resilience. The protests that led to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing his official residence in July 2022 were a testament to the people’s determination. The island nation, home to 22 million people, experienced lengthy blackouts, severe food and fuel shortages, and high inflation during this economic meltdown.
In 2022, Sri Lanka couldn’t pay its $46 billion foreign debt after losing foreign exchange. This prevented the country from importing food, fuel, and other essentials, leading to civil unrest. Rajapaksa was removed from office.
In March last year, the International Monetary Fund gave Sri Lanka the first part of a $2.9 billion four-year bailout loan. To qualify for the loan, the government raised taxes and increased prices.
In February 2024, the President said during his Independence Day speech that Sri Lanka is “gradually” recovering from its worst economic crisis after receiving help from the IMF.
Protesters and police officers clash during a anti-government protest in Colombo on November 9, 2022 (Photo credit: Pradeep Dambarage/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
What happened in Pakistan?
Amid the country’s financial crisis, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was ousted from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. Shehbaz Sharif served as prime minister of a coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023. In November 2022, Khan sustained three bullet injuries on his legs after, During a protest march near Allahwala Chowk of Wazirabad in Punjab province, a gunman opened fire on a truck carrying a protester.
In May 2023, violent protests erupted in Pakistan after Khan’s arrest, resulting in unrest across several cities. Khan, 71, was sentenced to 10 years for revealing classified information. In June 2024, his conviction was overturned, but he remains in prison due to another case.
In March 2024, Sharif became Pakistan’s prime minister for the second time, leading a coalition government.
As a result of these protests, significant changes were made in the political landscape of these countries. Additionally, Pakistan plans to borrow at least USD 23 billion in the next fiscal year to finance development plans. Many funds will go towards servicing existing debts and meeting external financing needs. This reliance on borrowing will keep the country tied to global financial institutions like the IMF.
What happened in Nepal?
On November 23, 2023, protests took place in Kathmandu, Nepal, calling for the Restoration of the monarchy, which had been abolished in 2008. The protesters, waving the national flag and chanting slogans supporting former King Gyanendra, were met with a heavy police presence. Riot police used force to disperse the crowd, and several protesters were injured. Since the monarchy was overthrown, the protesters claimed that the administrations in power had fallen short of their promises to improve the nation.
On November 24, 2023, the government placed Durga Prasai, leader of the Campaign to Protect Nation, Nationalism, Religion, Culture, and Citizens, under unofficial house arrest to deter further protest. Later, Prasain supporters held massive demonstrations in the Tinkune area of Kathmandu, and police arrested more than 210 demonstrators, including some passersby.
Other protests that happened in different parts of the world in recent years
Throughout the past year, a global wave of protests has swept across several countries, demonstrating the interconnectedness of our world.
In Hungary, there were widespread anti-government demonstrations.
Tunisia opposed President Kais Saied’s actions, including a “self-coup” and a crackdown on dissent.
Iran experienced a significant protest movement following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The movement, characterised by the slogan “Woman, life, freedom”, faced challenges due to the government’s crackdown on dissent.
Before the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel witnessed hundreds of thousands participating in weekly protests against the government’s judiciary reform plans, which were criticised for potentially weakening checks on government power.
In Georgia, tens of thousands protested against a bill targeting “foreign agents,” similar to legislation used in Russia to suppress opposition. The demonstrations led to the parliament’s withdrawal of the bill.
Mozambique and Nigeria saw demonstrations denouncing alleged election fraud and irregularities benefiting the ruling party.
In Guatemala, thousands protested ongoing attempts by the incumbent and the state’s top prosecutor to block the transfer of power to President-elect Bernardo Arévalo.
Ghana and Nigeria experienced demonstrations sparked by grievances about monetary policy and cash shortages.
France was roiled by strikes and protests against pension reform, increasing the national retirement age from 62 to 64.
People’s protests, not just now but for ages, have profoundly impacted countries, often leading to significant changes in government actions. In this article, let us look at the powerful influence of protests worldwide. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
