'A Gen Z revolution': US-Bangladeshis reflect on fall and flight of Hasina

The sudden fall and quick flight of Bangladesh's Shiekh Hasina and the immediate reshaping of the South Asian country's political landscape have stoked multiple emotions among Bangladeshis living in the United States, with many elated to see the "Generation Z" bringing about a "second liberation" of the country and others concerned over what the future holds for nearly 170 million people in a new set up.

Mahbubur Meenar, a professor of geography and planning at Rowan University in New Jersey, told TRT World that the weeks since the start of the student-led protests "were filled with mixed emotions and sleepless nights."

"What unfolded was unbelievable and unprecedented, even considering historic student-driven revolutions in both pre-and post-independence Bangladesh," he said.

"I felt guilt because, before this revolution, I had lost hope in our Gen Z kids, thinking they were too self-obsessed and privileged," Meenar said.

Reflecting on the government crackdown on the protesters in which over 300 people were killed and hundreds wounded, Meenar said he was worried to see hundreds of students and the public being killed and thousands detained "by this fascist regime."

"But I also felt strong and hopeful because it wasn't just a Gen Z revolution; parents, teachers, and the general public joined them to succeed."

The weeks of instability in Bangladesh started as peaceful protests by students, who demanded an end to a quota system for government jobs.

However, the protests quickly morphed into an open revolt that ousted Hasina and her Awami League party from 15-year rule, which was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, allegations of rigged elections and a brutal crackdown on her opponents.

Hasina found a safe haven in neighbouring India whose leaders have been very close to her government for over a decade. It is still unclear where she would go next. The Bar Association of Bangladesh's Supreme Court has urged New Delhi to extradite Hasina.

For Abdul Ahmed, who owns and runs a supermarket in the US state of Virginia, the successes achieved by the protesters could return to old broken system if the new government does not retain order and run the administration honestly.

Ahmed called on the new government "to be honest, quell the violence and retain order so that the country could get back on its feet again."

"And hopefully, Bangladesh will come back again in a good position," Ahmed told TRT World.

Hopes for Muhammad Yunus

Following Hasina's ouster and a meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin, the chiefs of the country's armed forces, and leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was confirmed to be the head of the transitional government.

Aside from the worries and concerns, there is an optimism about the choice of Yunus to lead the country during the transitional period.

Meenar said that he can't think of anyone else better than Yunus to take on the role.

"Dr Yunus will face many challenges, including pressure and misinformation from insiders and neighbouring countries," Meenar said without naming anyone.

"However, I am confident that he will honour our trust and fulfill his duties to the best of his ability."

Mohammad Rahman, a 45-year-old Bangladeshi restaurant worker in Washington DC, says he is also optimistic about Yunus's administration until the elections are held.

Yunus is a good choice because "everyone likes Dr Yunus," he said.

Way forward

Yunus, who is taking office on Thursday, was in France when he congratulated the student protesters, saying they had made "our second Victory Day possible," and appealed to them and other stakeholders to remain peaceful.

Opposition leader and ex-PM Khaleda Zia also urged calm on Wednesday, a day after Bangladesh's president ordered her release from house arrest.

Bangladesh's military chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman in a televised address, said that Yunus is expected to usher in a "beautiful democratic" process.

In the US, Bangladeshis witnessing the historic moment say the police and particularly the army should maintain control of the country before elections without interfering in the democratic process.

Meenar, while stressing the need to improve the law-and-order, said he hopes future leaders learn a lesson from the current uprising and "act accordingly."

"Bangladesh should limit the number of times a person can be elected as Prime Minister or President," he said, hoping to see a future leader who is "committed to the country and its people, not someone who treats it as their family property."

"Additionally, I hope politicians who failed to serve the people miserably in the past and those who use religious sentiments to attain power and control minds do not get an opportunity to fill any void," Meenar added.