Bangladesh’s turbulent half-century, from coups to climate shocks

Bangladesh’s history since its independence in 1971 has been marked by political upheavals and climate-related disasters, reflecting the country’s challenging trajectory.

Political Turbulence:

1. Early Coups and Assassinations:

   • 1975: The newly independent Bangladesh saw its first coup when President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated. This was followed by additional coups, eventually leading to Ziaur Rahman taking control of the country.
   • 1981: Ziaur Rahman was himself assassinated by rebels in an attack on a government guest house.
   • 1982: Abdus Sattar, who succeeded Ziaur Rahman, was overthrown by Hussain Muhammad Ershad, who then assumed the presidency.

2. Political Rivalries:

   • Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina: Following Ershad's rule, power alternated between two influential leaders—Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina. Their rivalry defined much of Bangladesh’s political landscape in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

3. Recent Unrest:

   • 2024: Recently, Sheikh Hasina was toppled by a student-led uprising, a significant development given her long tenure. Khaleda Zia, Hasina's rival, was released from house arrest in the same week, marking a dramatic shift in the political scene.

Climate and Humanitarian Crises:

1. Geography and Climate:

   • Bangladesh’s location in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers makes it highly susceptible to flooding, cyclones, and monsoon rains. The tropical climate exacerbates these issues, leading to frequent natural disasters.

2. Historical Crises:

   • 1974 Famine: One of the worst famines of the 20th century struck Bangladesh in 1974, resulting in widespread starvation and the death of hundreds of thousands of people.

3. Ongoing Challenges:

   • The densely populated country of approximately 170 million people continues to face significant challenges from both environmental and humanitarian crises. Flooding and cyclones remain regular threats, impacting millions and complicating development efforts.

Current Situation:

The recent political upheaval with Hasina’s ouster and Zia’s release has added a new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation. As Bangladesh navigates these turbulent waters, its resilience in the face of both political instability and environmental adversity will be crucial for its future stability and development.