By Political analysts across South Asia are discussing how the Sri Lankan Aragalaya, which led to the ousting of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has influenced recent events. A few things are clear: when people are frustrated, they eventually take matters into their own hands.
The level of tolerance is now lower than before, and technology has become a key facilitator in bringing protesters together.
The Bangladeshi authorities controlled and limited internet access for several days, but the stoppage did not work. The Aragalaya and similar incidents have clearly demonstrated that no head of state can resist people’s power indefinitely. It’s also evident that once protests get out of hand, various other players come into the scene and take control.
Safe Passage
Source said, the Indian government has confirmed that it will provide her with ‘safe passage’ to travel to other countries.
Indian broadcaster CNN-News18 and major media outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, and The Hindu have reported extensively on Hasina’s arrival. The news is currently prominent on their homepages, alongside updates on the anti-discrimination student movement and Hasina’s resignation.
Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh was facilitated by a military helicopter, according to Reuters. Sources close to Hasina revealed to AFP that she had planned to record a farewell speech before leaving Ganabhaban but was unable to do so. The Indian government’s provision of safe passage ensures that Hasina can continue her journey without further hindrance.In the case of Gothabahaya Rajapaksha he could not get assurance of safe passage from negibouring countries and he had to work out things for himself.
Conspiracy
Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke of a conspiracy that ousted him, and currently, the Indian involvement in the Bangladeshi protests is being discussed. Prior to the Aragalaya, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the other Rajapaksas received a lot of bad press, which made things difficult for all of them, including Gotabaya. He did not return to active politics, and now in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, told the BBC that there will be no political comeback for Sheikh Hasina.
Speaking to News Hour on the BBC World Service, Joy—who was an official adviser to the prime minister until today—said his mother was considering resigning since yesterday and had left the country for her own safety after her family insisted.
The organizers of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement have said they will present a framework for a national government tonight. This is a slight difference from the Sri Lankan scenario, where the Aragalaya protesters did not have a long-term plan.
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman will hold discussions with all representatives of students and teachers very soon.
