THIS is with reference to the recent report ‘Bangladesh banishes Hasina’ (Aug 6). Political developments leading to regime change have tended to happen with stupendous speed in Bangladesh, which is otherwise a comparatively stable country whose economy has been on an upward path for quite some time.

First, there were street protests, which were followed by student-led as well as labour-led violent protests and riots. After more than 300 deaths in this violent frenzy, the military stepped in to restore order and normality. The prime minister tendered her resignation before taking up exile in the neighbouring country. In the meantime, an interim government is said to be in the works.

Now the question is: are there any lessons to be learnt by the relevant stakeholders in Pakistan from all these happenings in Bangladesh? What steps can we take to avoid or prevent a short-haul or long-haul, so-called Arab Spring from occurring in our midst? This is indeed some food for thought for all those who matter.

Abbas R. Siddiqi
Lahore

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024