When many students bravely challenged the quota system in Bangladesh, the state authorities and Sheikh Hasina's government struggled to understand their perspective and attempted to downplay the spirit of the movement. The students' demand was not only timely but also courageous. In Bangladesh, any protest that garners public attention is often dismissed or suppressed, especially when it leads to disorder -- a misguided policy of the state.
We have witnessed such student movements across the globe. When students step forward with an issue, it is generally perceived as a valid concern. The student movement in Bangladesh has been no different.
However, it is crucial to delve deeper and ask pertinent questions here. For example, why were so many students on the street? Why have they raised their voice for quota reform? Why are students not happy with the current state policy over employment? Why are students showing agitation against all types of mismanagement, corruption and nepotism?
These are the crucial questions that had to be answered long ago, but students and conventional citizens of the state have waited anxiously to know all these answers.
If the state had taken enough measures to meditate on the employment issue and create more jobs in the country, then students wouldn't have to consider organizing any movement against the quota reformation policy. But when millions of students and graduates struggle to find a job and face tremendous obstacles in their family and social lives, what else could they do? This is a fundamental question.
Exploitation and injustice in society at various levels compel citizens of the state to raise their voices for a better future. A significant number of graduates are off the job, and they are brutally suffering from a financial crisis. Their families, relatives, and friends all suffer along with them through their unemployment.
Another discourse is the state's policy over strategic employment relations. This is crucial to whether we want to see only structural or total socioeconomic developments within the nation. Suppose the political parties only intend to show structural development to the public. In that case, other crucial sectors remain undeveloped, which is only why many young citizens of the state are unemployed now.
Poor education and training
One of the United Nations Economic and the Social Commission for Asia and Pacific reports reveals that Bangladesh is one of the South Asian countries where a significant portion of youth aged 15 to 24 are classified as not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Successive governments since independence have failed to develop a timely and comprehensive education curriculum in Bangladesh. Many schools, colleges and universities require more infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories and access to technology, which hinders the learning environment. As a result, students lack quality education. This creates a gap between what students learn and the skills they need for employment.
Corruption and favouritism in job recruitment, especially in the government sector, have created widespread frustration among students, who feel that merit is often overlooked
Uneven playing fields
Educational institutions in Bangladesh are heavily influenced by student wings of political parties (mainly controlled by the Chhatra League in the last 15 years), leading to a toxic environment where violence, intimidation and political manipulation are common.
Under the Sheikh Hasina government, frequent question paper leaks in public examinations, including SSC, HSC, University Entrance Examination, and Public Service Commission, have undermined the integrity of the education system and created stress and uncertainty for students.
Corruption and favouritism in job recruitment, especially in the government sector, have created widespread frustration among students, who feel that merit is often overlooked.
Market and societal pressures
Graduates often face a bleak job market, high unemployment rates, and a mismatch between their qualifications and available job opportunities. The lack of career counselling and job placement services in educational institutions exacerbates this problem.
In addition to academic pressures, students often face social and economic pressures, including the expectation of contributing financially to their families. Even this can take a toll on their mental and physcial health, which also leads to agitation.
Rising prices of essential goods such as food, fuel, and household goods have outpaced income growth for many Bangladeshis. This disparity has eroded the average consumer's purchasing power, making it difficult for families to afford essentials.
Low-income households are particularly vulnerable, as they spend a significant proportion of their income on essential goods. When prices rise, these families are forced to cut back on basics like food and healthcare, leading to malnutrition and other health problems.
These challenges create significant barriers for students in Bangladesh, impacting their educational outcomes, career prospects, and overall well-being. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms in the education system, investment in infrastructure, and a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.
No political voice
The 2014, 2018, and January 2024 elections were marred by allegations of widespread irregularities, including vote-rigging, ballot stuffing, and intimidation. Many students found it difficult to exercise their voting rights freely and fairly in such an environment.
Reports of opposition supporters, including students, being targeted also created fear and deterred many from voting. For example, a student who became a first-time voter at 18 could not vote for the right candidate for the last three national parliaments and other local government elections. But Hasina and her political party never realized that this could have caused enough agitation for them.
The Hasina government failed significantly to regulate the market system, and it was found that the market was controlled by syndicates directly related to the Hasina government and its political party, the Awami League. As a result, the low and middle-income people in Bangladesh have suffered dramatically in the last 15 years, which has also angered the students.
The earlier stock market corruption and crumble made millions of young investors bankrupt, and many were traumatized during Hasina's regime. It is vital to consider why young graduates are concerned about their future in Bangladesh.
Graduates often face a bleak job market, high unemployment rates, and a mismatch between their qualifications and available job opportunities
Ensuring security for the next generation
There are many threats to human security in today's world, but unless the state can ensure the following seven securities, problems will persist in society and in the state. They are economic and food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community safety, and political security. In Bangladesh, all of these are significantly absent for most commoners of the state.
The former Sheikh Hasina government and her political party did not understand Gen-Z and Gen Alpha's power. These two generations grew up in a digital world. They are incredibly comfortable with technology and expect a seamless digital experience. We must embrace digital tools and platforms in education, work, or marketing to engage with them. Gen-Z, in particular, values social justice, environmental sustainability and inclusivity.
They are more likely to support brands, organizations and leaders who demonstrate commitment to these issues. Influenced by this trend, Gen Alpha is expected to follow similar standards. Both generations appreciate personalized experiences and authentic communication. They are sceptical of traditional advertising and prefer accurate, relevant content. They respond well to brands and political leaders who are transparent and genuine.
As in the mass movements of the 1990s, almost everyone came out of their homes in July 2024 to show solidarity with the students. The movement was to clear the weeds created by state lumpers over the past 16 years. However, even if the initial victory is achieved, the students must remember that this is not the end. To see real victory, they must unite and fight against all the odds created in Bangladesh in the last 53 years.
Any future government of Bangladesh will remember how to be more transparent and lead the country by understanding the pulse of the citizens, mainly the students and young cohorts.
Dr ASM Anam Ullah (PhD) is an Australian academic, human rights activist, political analyst, and OHS and industrial relations expert. Read previous part. Read next part
