NAME:- UMESH K.
PATIL
CLASS:- SYBA
TOPIC:- BANGLADESH STUDENT
PROTESTS
ROLL NO:- 2324-ART34-226
SUBJECT:- ENGLISH
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW:-
The 2024 Bangladesh student demonstrations developed as a powerful response to the
country's socio political and economic situations under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's
15-year-old administration. The immediate source of the protests was the government's
restoration of a contentious quota system in public sector positions, which many students and
young professionals saw as unfair and discriminatory. The system, which reserved a
considerable percentage of jobs for certain groups, notably independence fighters'
descendants, was perceived as limiting chances for the broader population, especially for
young people looking for merit-based employment. Outside of the quota issue, the protests
quickly expanded to address broader grievances, including Corruption and crony capitalism
Protesters were outraged by widespread corruption, nepotism, and power concentration
within the ruling party. This dissatisfaction was exacerbated by allegations of electoral fraud
in previous elections which many believed had kept Hasina's government in power unjustly
Although Bangladesh saw notable economic growth during Hasina's tenure, the advantages
were not equitably shared. Many individuals, especially the youth, felt marginalized. Key
issues such as rising unemployment, inflation, and limited job prospects were central to the
protesters' grievances. The government faced accusations of numerous human rights abuses,
including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and the stifling of dissent. The
repression of opposition parties and civil society organizations contributed to the mounting
dissatisfaction. The protests were fundamentally driven by a demand for a more democratic
and accountable government. The youth, a significant demographic, called for increased
political freedom and an end to authoritarian governance.The protests started in mid-July
2024, when students from universities throughout Bangladesh gathered in Dhaka and other
major cities. Initially, the demonstrations were peaceful, as students displayed placards and
voiced their calls for reforms. However, the government's reaction was quick and harsh. Law
enforcement and security forces utilized tear gas, water cannons, and even live ammunition to
break up the gatherings, resulting in significant violence and many injuries.
In spite of the government's repression, the protests intensified, gaining backing from diverse
groups within society such as laborers, scholars, and opposition parties. Social media was
instrumental in rallying people, with hashtags like #BangladeshProtests and
#JusticeForStudents becoming globally popular. The situation drew concern from the
international community, including human rights organizations and foreign governments,
which helped to highlight the protesters' cause even more.
The government initially tried to downplay the protests, calling them political and accusing
opposition parties of causing the unrest. However, as the protests continue to intensify and
attract international attention, the government finds itself increasingly isolated. The pressure
peaked in early August when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced her resignation,
leading to the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
This transition marked an important victory for the protesters, but it also highlighted the deep
challenges facing Bangladesh. The interim government has taken on the task of meeting the
protesters' demands, including reforming the political system, accountability for past abuses
and revitalizing the economy. However, the road ahead was fraught with pitfalls as the
movement lacked a unified vision beyond Hasina's removal and the risk of political
instability loomed large.
MEDIA COVERAGE AND FRAMING:-
Pro-government TV channels and newspapers initially presented the student protests as
minor riots led by unruly youth. These media focused on the disruptions caused by the
protests, such as traffic jams and vandalism, to portray the movement in a negative light. The
media often portrays the students as being manipulated by the opposition parties, especially
the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), in an attempt to destabilise the government. This
framing was intended to delegitimize the protests and reduce public sympathy. On the other
hand, independent and opposition media offered a more sympathetic picture of the protests.
They supported the students and their demands for equality, justice and democracy. These
media emphasised the grassroots nature of the movement, emphasizing that it was motivated
by legitimate demands such as the controversial quota system, economic inequality and the
lack of job opportunities for young people. These media reports often included personal
stories of protesting students and the violent police response, humanising the movement and
increasing public support.
Digital media have played a crucial role in providing real-time updates on protests, often
bypassing the censorship and bias present in traditional media. Websites such as BDNews24
and The Daily Star, as well as international platforms such as Al Jazeera, provided
comprehensive coverage of the protests, including in-depth analysis, interviews with
protesters and reporting on the government's response. These platforms were able to spread
information quickly, reaching a global audience and maintaining the momentum of the
protests. Social media has been perhaps the most influential platform for spreading the
narrative of student protests. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube were flooded with
posts, videos and live streams from the camp. Hashtags like #BangladeshProtests,
#JusticeForStudents and #DhakaProtests have been trending not only in Bangladesh but also
internationally. Social media has allowed protesters to throw out state-controlled narratives
and present their own version of events directly to the public. The viral nature of social media
posts helped expose cases of police brutality and government repression, fueling more
support for the movement. In addition, the decentralized nature of social media made it
difficult for the government to remove information, as new content appeared constantly.
The government and its media allies used many framing techniques to weaken the protests.
A common strategy was to portray the protests as being led by "foreigners" or "foreign
agents" seeking to destabilize the country. This nationalist framing aims to turn public
opinion against the protesters by portraying them as traitors to the nation. Even the
government tried to present the protests as a matter of law and order, emphasizing the need
for stability and the dangers of chaos. In contrast the independent media presented the
protests as a legitimate expression of popular discontent. They emphasized the peaceful
nature of most protests and portrayed the government's response as an abuse of power, a sign
of a repressive regime. These media often used a human interest framing, focusing on the
individual stories of the protesters, making the movement more relevant and accessible to the
general public. The frame here was that of a "fight for justice", which resonated with many,
especially those frustrated by the authoritarian tendencies of the government.
The contrasting framings used by different media have led to a polarization of public opinion.
Supporters of the government were more likely to view the protests through the lens of
instability and foreign interference, while critics of the government saw the protests as a just
and necessary response to systemic injustice. This polarization was exacerbated by the echo
chamber effect of social media, where individuals were more likely to be exposed to
information that confirmed their existing perception. the international media framing of the
protests was largely favorable to the protesters. Media such as the BBC, The Guardian and
the New York Times have focused on the wider implications of the protests, linking them to
global movements for democracy and justice. This framing contributed to international
pressure on the government of Bangladesh, which eventually played a role in the resignation
of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government.
FROM LOCALISED PROTEST TO NATIONAL MOVEMENT:-
The transformation of the student protests in Bangladesh from a local issue to a large-scale
national movement perfectly illustrates the complex role that media, especially social media,
play in contemporary social and political mobilization. The protests were first sparked in
mid-July 2024 by the government's controversial decision to restore a quota system that many
students perceived as deeply unfair and discriminatory. This system allocated a significant
share of public sector jobs and university admissions to certain groups, leaving the majority
of students - who do not belong to these groups - at a disadvantage. The immediate response
was a wave of protests centered around the University of Dhaka and other major educational
institutions in the capital. In this initial phase, the protests were highly localized, with
participation largely limited to students directly affected by the quota system. The
mainstream media, which were either directly controlled by the government or heavily
influenced by it, largely downplayed the importance of these protests. Their media coverage
has been minimal and often portrayed as mere minor disruptions rather than legitimate
expressions of widespread discontent. However, the dynamics of the movement began to
change dramatically with the intervention of social media, which acted as a powerful catalyst
for the expansion and escalation of protests. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and
YouTube have become the main channels through which protesters communicate with the
general public, in Bangladesh and beyond. Students used these platforms to share real-time
updates, videos and images of the protests, including instances of police brutality and
government repression. These messages quickly went viral, reaching national and
international audiences that traditional media could not reach. The immediacy and
accessibility of social media allowed for a level of transparency and immediacy that
traditional media could not match, allowing the protests to expand far beyond the borders of
Dhaka. One of the strengths of social media in this transformation has been its ability to unite
diverse groups around a common cause. Hashtags like #BangladeshProtests and
#QuotaReform have started trending not only in Bangladesh but also abroad, attracting
international attention and amplifying the voices of protesters. These digital campaigns were
instrumental in creating a cohesive narrative that resonated with citizens across the country,
uniting them in their common grievances against government policies. The viral nature of the
social media posts allowed the protest messages to be seen by millions of people, including
students and activists from other cities such as Chittagong, Rajshahi and Khulna, who began
organizing their own protests in solidarity with those of Dhaka. This marked the beginning of
the movement from a localized protest movement to a national phenomenon.As the protests
reached their peak, the movement transformed from a localized demonstration against a
specific policy into a national call for comprehensive political and social reform. The
involvement of the international media added an additional level of pressure on the
Bangladeshi government. International media reports highlighted the wider implications of
the protests, placing them in the context of ongoing struggles for democracy and human
rights in Bangladesh. International attention has made it increasingly difficult for the
government to continue its repressive tactics without facing serious diplomatic repercussions.
Continued pressure from local and international media ultimately contributed to the
resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the formation of an interim government,
marking a significant political change in the country.
INFLUENCE OF MEDIA COVERAGE ON THE TRAJECTORY OF THE
BANGLADESH STUDENT PROTESTS:
Social media has played a critical role in escalating localized protests into a national
movement. The ability to share real-time updates, videos and images from the ground
allowed protesters to quickly mobilize supporters across the country. Platforms such as
Facebook, Twitter (X) and YouTube have become the main tools for organizing mass
demonstrations and protests, displacing traditional media channels that were slow or biased
in their reporting. The viral nature of the content on these platforms meant that even small
gatherings could attract national and international attention, leading to larger crowds and
continued pressure on the government. Images and widespread stories of police brutality,
student injuries and government backlash have attracted the attention of international media
and human rights organizations. This global attention increased the visibility of the protests
and increased pressure on the Bangladeshi government to respond. International coverage
framed the protests as a struggle for democratic rights and justice, drawing parallels with
other global movements and contributing to a narrative that resonated with audiences outside
of Bangladesh.
Initially, the government tried to quell the protests with repressive measures, including mass
arrests, internet shutdowns and police violence. However, widespread media coverage,
especially on social media, has made it difficult for the government to control discourse. Each
act of repression was documented and shared widely, often accompanied by hashtags that
caused an international uproar. This continued exposure forced the government to reconsider
its strategy, as continued violence also risked fueling public anger and further international
condemnation.As the protests grew in size and intensity, the government began to consider
concessions to calm the situation. This change in strategy was partly influenced by the
realization that media coverage made the protests too visible to be ignored or suppressed
entirely. The reports of the government's willingness to engage in dialogue with student
leaders and consider reforms were possible attempts to calm the movement and reduce its
momentum. However, these concessions are often seen as too little, too late, leading to
continued unrest until the eventual resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The way different media present the protests has played an important role in shaping public
opinion. State-controlled media portrayed the protests as chaotic and motivated by political
opponents, who initially succeeded in instilling suspicion in certain segments of the
population. However, the widespread sharing of personal stories, videos of peaceful protests
and violent government responses on social media has challenged this narrative, leading to
an increase in public sympathy and support for the movement. This shift in public perception
was crucial to sustaining the protests, as it created a sense of legitimacy and moral
righteousness among the protesters. Global media coverage of the protests also helped foster
international solidarity. Diaspora communities, human rights organizations and even foreign
governments began to express support for the protesters, often condemning the actions of the
Bangladeshi government. This international support further strengthened the protesters and
put additional pressure on the government, while the image of Bangladesh on the
international stage was increasingly tarnished. The risk of economic sanctions or the loss of
international aid may have contributed to the government's decision to withdraw.
The pressure sustained by the protests, reinforced by media coverage, culminated in the
resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. This marked a significant
victory for the protesters and signaled a potential change in the political landscape of
Bangladesh. The formation of an interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad
Yunus, was seen as a direct result of the protests and the role of the media in amplifying their
demands. The role of the media in the 2024 protests is likely to have lasting effects on the
political dynamics of Bangladesh. The movement demonstrated the power of digital and
social media in organizing and supporting protests, setting a precedent for future movements.
The media's ability to influence public opinion and pressure government suggests that future
administrations will need to be more responsive to public demands, especially in the face of
extensive media surveillance. In addition, the protests highlighted the need for greater
transparency and accountability in governance, which could lead to further reforms in the
future.
CONCLUSION:-
The student-led protests in Bangladesh in 2024 provide a compelling case study of how
media, in its various forms, can shape the trajectory and outcomes of social movements.
These protests, sparked by the reintroduction of a controversial quota system, quickly
developed into a national call for political reform, fueled by widespread discontent with
corruption, lack of democratic governance and economic inequality. Throughout the protests,
the media played a dual and crucial role. On the one hand, the mainstream media, especially
television and the state-controlled press, worked to undermine the legitimacy of the protests.
By portraying the protesters as disorderly elements or hostages of the political opposition,
these media attempted to diminish public support for the movement. The use of historically
charged terms like "Razakars" meant to connote treachery and treachery further deepened
social divisions and attempted to cast a negative light on the protests.
On the contrary, digital platforms and social media have proven to be powerful tools for
protesters. In an age where information travels quickly and can be difficult to control,
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (now X) and YouTube have become central to the
movement. These platforms allow protesters to share real-time updates, videos and images
that directly counter the state's narrative. The global reach of social media has also allowed
the Bangladeshi diaspora and international human rights organizations to participate,
amplifying the movement's message and increasing pressure on the government. Hashtags
like #BangladeshProtests have become symbols of resistance, garnering domestic and
international support. The international media also played an important role in placing the
protests in a wider global context. By shifting attention to the sociopolitical issues at the heart
of the unrest—such as long-standing grievances against Hasina's government—the
international media offered a balanced view that often contrasted with the government's
portrayal. This global coverage linked the Bangladeshi protests to other youth-led movements
around the world, highlighting a common struggle for democracy, justice and human rights.
The impact of these different media representations on public perception and mobilization
has been profound. While the state-controlled media tried to demobilize the protesters
through fear and misinformation, the counternarrative presented on social media emboldened
the protesters and maintained their momentum. The widespread dissemination of images
showing police brutality and student killings fueled public outrage, leading to larger and more
determined protests. Media coverage played a crucial role in the trajectory of the protests.
The transformation from a localized protest to a national movement demanding the
resignation of Prime Minister Hasina was largely driven by the role of the media in
amplifying the voices of the protesters. As international attention grew, it became
increasingly difficult for the Bangladeshi government to suppress the movement without
facing serious global backlash. This sustained media pressure contributed to the eventual
resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and the establishment of an interim government,
marking a significant political change in the country.
REFRENCES
1. BBC
2. INSTAGRAM
3. FACEBOOK
4. YOUTUBE
5. GOOGLE
6. THE DAILY PROTHOM ALO
7. TWITTER (X)
