PIIA’s Session on the Crisis in Bangladesh

The Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) held a session on ‘Political Crisis in Bangladesh’ recently. Dr. Masuma Hasan, Chairperson, OF PIIA introduced the speakers Ambassador Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh and Kenya, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme and UN Habitat and Professor Syed Sikander Mehdi, former Chairperson, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, and a leading peace scholars. 

Dr. Masuma Hasan highlighted Bangladesh’s turbulent political history, focusing on Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule marked by economic growth but marred by human rights violations and student-led protests, known as the “Monsoon Revolution,” which led to her downfall in August 2024.

Ambassador Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui praised Bangladesh’s infrastructural progress and the warmth of its people despite facing diplomatic challenges under Sheikh Hasina’s government. He emphasized respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and expressed hope for better Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, especially if a BNP-Jamaat government comes to power.

Professor Syed Sikander Mehdi discussed the pivotal role of students in Bangladesh’s political history and raised concerns about its future leadership, particularly questioning Muhammad Yunus’s suitability. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to reflect on its own political stagnation, warning that both countries face challenges in achieving true democratic progress, with Pakistan trapped in a “frozen” state of political and social inertia.