How Military Coups Have Shaped Bangladesh's Political Landscape Over The Years?

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced on Monday that he will form an interim government following the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests.

In a national broadcast, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, dressed in military fatigues and cap, declared, "I am taking full responsibility." However, it remains unclear if he will lead the caretaker government.

He confirmed that Hasina had resigned and stated that he would consult with the president to establish the interim government. While he has engaged with opposition parties and civil society members, he has not yet spoken with Hasina's Awami League.

This development marks a return to a historical pattern of military intervention in Bangladesh's politics, reminiscent of past coups:

The 1975 Coup:

In 1975, a pivotal coup led to the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh, along with most of his family. Junior army officers orchestrated the coup, leading Major General Ziaur Rahman to seize power and declare himself President.

Two Subsequent Coups:
The initial coup leaders failed to maintain control, leading to further unrest. On November 3, Brigadier General Khaled Mosharraf and Colonel Shafaat Jamil staged another coup to oust the previous leaders, resulting in the execution of four national leaders and the house arrest of Ziaur Rahman.

On November 7, a third coup led by Left-wing army personnel and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) politicians resulted in the death of Brigadier General Khaled Mosharraf and the release of Ziaur Rahman from house arrest. Rahman eventually became President and ruled until his assassination in 1981.

The 1982 Coup:

Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad led a bloodless coup in 1982, establishing martial law, suspending the constitution, and consolidating control over both military and civilian sectors. Despite some development achievements, Ershad's rule faced criticism for its repressive and authoritarian nature. His regime ended in 1990 after a popular uprising demanding the restoration of democracy.

Since the 1990s, Bangladesh's political scene has been dominated by Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), continuing the rivalry established by Ziaur Rahman.