This article has been published in the Daily Observer on Thursday, 5 September 2024.
Courtesy: Al Jazeera
The recent upsurge in student activism across South Asia is a reflection of deeper geopolitical shifts and the evolving landscape of South Asian diplomacy. It is noteworthy to mention that the ousting of Sheikh Hasina by student-led protests in Bangladesh has reverberated across South Asia. Subsequently, the triumph in Bangladesh has inspired youth activism beyond its borders and exposed the shared vulnerabilities and aspirations of the younger generation.
To get its way, South Asia appears as a region of overlapping unrest, with protests sweeping through its diverse demographics with threads of social justice, political discontent, and regional tensions. In reality, especially in South Asia, the protests in one country often inspire and amplify movements in neighbouring nations, creating a dynamic interplay of influence and response.
Right now, the brutal rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata has further intensified the unrest. It has sparked massive demonstrations demanding better protection for women and accountability for the perpetrators. The protests have led to a wider critique of governance, charging the administration of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with incompetence. Recent political instability seen in Bangladesh has only intensified these fears, with opposition parties exploiting the situation to rally against the ruling government.
Shortly thereafter, the Bharat Bandh on August 21, 2024, exemplified how domestic discontent can escalate into widespread unrest in India. The Supreme Court’s decision to permit sub categorization within SC/ST reservations is the reason behind the call for this strike. The ruling is perceived to be an erosion of the protection given to backward classes, in effect welding together a large coalition of Dalit and Adivasi outfits. The protests have highlighted the volatility surrounding social justice issues in India.
Similarly, in Pakistan, the influence of Bangladesh’s student-led revolution is palpable. The Pakistan Student Federation (PSF), aligned with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has issued an ultimatum demanding Khan’s release by August 30. The increasing mobilization of students in Pakistan highlights the spillover effects of Bangladesh’s unrest, creating a ripple of activism that demands accountability and democratic reforms.
In Baluchistan, protests against military operations and enforced disappearances have reaped attention, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, local dissent against military actions reveals how much malaise is directed at the government’s approach to conflict and governance.
Likewise, the student movements in India and Pakistan have drawn strength from the shared histories of struggle against colonialism, authoritarianism, and social injustice. The success of Bangladesh’s revolution has revived memories of past student movements in these countries, recapping the youth of their potential power to effect change.
The spillover of the student uprising is apparent in India and Pakistan, as the youth in these countries face high unemployment rates, underemployment, and a lack of opportunities, leading to widespread disillusionment with their respective governments.
In India, this discontent has fueled protests against the government’s economic policies, while in Pakistan, students have rallied against corruption and the lack of educational and job opportunities. The lack of governance as well as the social and political struggles in these countries mirror those that initiated the uprising in Bangladesh, hence the revolution that inspires and guides to action.
Geographically, the proximity of these nations and their shared borders facilitates the exchange of ideas and the rapid spread of social movements.
Demographically, nearly half its population is under the age of 24, and over one million young people enter the labour force every month until 2030, a substantial base of young people who are disappointed with the status quo and eager for change.
Socially, issues such as corruption, a lack of educational opportunities, and political repression resonate across borders, creating fertile ground for the spread of student-led protests.
The protests in Bangladesh have highlighted domestic issues and served as a catalyst for political activism in neighbouring countries, showing how regional dynamics can shape and reshape political landscapes.
With consecutive protests in the streets of India and Pakistan, the regional turmoil highlights the broader geopolitical shifts occurring in South Asia. Most importantly, the junction of student activism across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan reflects a growing regional awareness among youth and a shared frustration with entrenched political systems.
Today, however, the 2024 uprisings have the strength to pulverize several states and bring the powers of South Asian leaders tumbling down. Moreover, the success of these movements could inspire similar uprisings in other parts of the Indo-Pacific, challenging authoritarian regimes and prompting a re-evaluation of strategic partnerships.
Overwhelmingly, the student-led revolution in Bangladesh has set South Asia on a new trajectory. Similarly, the student movements in India and Pakistan are a testament to the power of youth activism and the shared challenges faced by the younger generation.
No one can with certainty speculate what is happening to the fate of South Asian streets; whether these nations embrace the potential for positive change or attempt to suppress it will determine the stability and prosperity of the region in the years to come.
The writer is a research coordinator at both FactWatch and the Center for Critical and Qualitative Studies at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
