Dr Md Afroz
The ongoing youth protests in Bangladesh against a government’s decision to implement a 30 % seat reservation in government jobs for war veteran children extending to grandchildren is outrightly rejected by aspiring youth, and they outpour onto the roads with much ferocity. The counter response came from PM Sheikh Hasina stressing the importance of the decision behind and equated the protesters ‘Razakaars’, the anti-national elements, fuelled the situation; almost 50 died, and hundreds were injured; it might catch nationwide protest with the involvement of other political parties and civil society groups. Government job reservations are kneeling the coffin moment; otherwise, several issues have accumulated, such as uneven economic growth, rising inflation, unemployment, poverty, poor health and education infrastructure, etc. These young individuals advocate for fair resource allocation and equal access to opportunities. Their demand is for advancing healthcare, education, and career opportunities that benefit all individuals rather than simply a select few who are privileged. This youth uprising in Bangladesh is a stark reminder for governing authorities throughout South Asia. This outburst of fury is not a singular occurrence but a manifestation of a more extensive problem, the long-standing trend of imbalanced economic growth. The economic paradigm in the region has predominantly favoured the affluent, resulting in heightened inequality and societal turmoil. Failure by governments to address this imbalance poses the risk of transforming their nations into figurative minefields of dissatisfaction.
Bangladesh protest symbolises an eruption of pressure, akin to a burst pressure cooker. The wealth gap has increased as economic progress is frequently assessed based on GDP figures rather than considering the overall well-being of all individuals. In 2021, Bangladesh’s Human Development Index (HDI) was 0.661, as reported by the UNDP, categorising it as having medium human development. Nevertheless, this statistic conceals the glaring disparity that exists within the nation. Urban areas demonstrate notable advancements, whilst rural regions exhibit slower improvement, emphasising the necessity for implementing more comprehensive development policies. This situation is not exclusive to Bangladesh. Sri Lanka encountered analogous problems that resulted in profound economic and political catastrophes. Pakistan also faces similar issues, as uneven development has resulted in widespread unhappiness and instability. Even India, frequently hailed as an emerging economic powerhouse, could be more impervious. India’s HDI in 2021 was 0.645, despite its high GDP growth rates. It suggests that there is significant potential for enhancing living standards for everybody by ensuring that economic progress translates into tangible improvements.
The unifying factor among these nations is their dependence on populist policies instead of practical, corrective measures that foster inclusive growth. Governments frequently employ authoritarian tactics to crush opposition, employing state institutions to ensure dominance. Nevertheless, this method is only viable in the short run. Political regimes characterised by the influence of wealth, physical force, and manipulation of institutions may temporarily suppress dissatisfaction, but they cannot address the underlying reasons for discontent. Bangladesh’s recent youth rebellion is a stark example of unequal economic growth in South Asian countries, where the wealthy have benefited.
Consequently, it led to increased inequality and social unrest, and if governments do not address this disparity, their countries will become minefields of discontent. The ongoing misgovernance has led to severe political and economic disasters in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. These countries rely on populist strategies to fix problems rather than implement solutions that promote equitable growth. Many governments resort to authoritarian measures and use official institutions to stifle dissent, but this approach will ultimately fail.
Economic Indicators of South Asian Countries
Country Wise GDP % Inflation% Unemployment, Poverty% HDI FDI $ PPI $
Growth 2023-24 %2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
| India | 7-8 | 6-7 | 7-8 | 20 | 0.645 | 25.4 bn | 570 |
| Bangladesh | 5.5 | 5-6 | 4-5 | 20 | 0.632 | 3.50 bn | 240 |
| Pakistan | 2-3 | 10 | 6-7 | 24 | 0.557 | 1.90 bn | 270 |
| Sri-Lanka | 2-3 | 12 | 4-5 | 4 | 0.782 | 0.90 bn | 360 |
| Nepal | 3-4 | 4-5 | 4-5 | 18 | 0.602 | 0.14 bn | 300 |
| Bhutan | 4-5 | 4 | 2.5 | 8 | 0.654 | 0.01 bn | 410 |
| Aghganistan | -2.6 | -1 | 13.2 | 49.4 | 0.478 | 0.02 bn | 200 |
| Maldives | 7-8 | 2-3 | 6.0 | 3 | 0.74 | 0.64 bn | 260 |
Sources: IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank
If you want to understand the current unrest in Bangladesh, look at the table and try to picture the pitiful socioeconomic situation throughout the entire region. Only by fully embracing inclusive growth can we make any headway. Making sure that all social classes share in the benefits of economic progress should be a top priority for policymakers as they work to reduce socioeconomic inequality. Allotting funds to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure in underserved areas, fighting for fair employment standards, and creating social welfare programmes are all part of this.
Way forward, ignoring these problems will have disastrous consequences. More extensive and violent demonstrations, which can cause even more chaos, are possible if governments ignore these warnings. A pivotal moment has arrived in South Asian politics. We may continue down the road of uneven development and increasing instability, or we can embrace inclusive strategies that foster equitable economic growth and stronger social bonds. The present protests have made an obvious and urgent call for change. If South Asian ruling regimes genuinely care about their citizens’ future stability and prosperity, they would make inclusive development a top priority.
Author Brief Bio
Dr Md Afroz is a faculty member in the Department of Political Science (MANUU), Hyderabad. He has penned many articles in Journals and research papers in national/international seminars/conferences and regularly writes on socio-political subjects for various online/ print domains like South Asia Journal, The Avenue Mail, Roundtable India, Down to Earth, the Pioneer, Muslim Mirror. Two Circle. Net, Countercurrents, Sabrang India, Good Morning Kashmir, Jamhuriyat Times, Tasair Urdu Daily, Roznama Al-Hayat, Milli Gazette, etc.