From Quotas to Quakes: Student Protests That Changed Nations

A wave of student protests in Bangladesh against a government job quota system evolved into a broader uprising, leading the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee and resign. Similar student-led uprisings have shaped history, from Sri Lanka to Greece, highlighting the significant role of youth in political transformations worldwide.

In Bangladesh, weeks of protests against a quota system for government jobs evolved into a nationwide uprising, forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country and resign.

The demonstrations, mainly led by students, began peacefully last month, expressing frustration over a system they claimed gave undue advantage to those connected to the ruling party.

However, violence erupted on July 15 when student protesters clashed with security personnel and pro-government activists. The unrest resulted in nearly 300 deaths, including students and police officers.

Historical parallels can be found in student-led movements globally. Significant examples include the Gota Go Gama protests in Sri Lanka, the Athens Polytechnic uprising in Greece, the Kent State demonstrations in the US, the Soweto Uprising in South Africa, and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia.

(With inputs from agencies.)