Dhaka, Bangladesh – One word has sparked protests and violent unrest in Bangladesh: “Razakar.” In Bangladeshi society, the term is deeply offensive as it refers to individuals who supported the Pakistani military during the Liberation War in 1971. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who retreated and left the country by helicopter in the wake of widespread protests, has used this term to label her opponents.

Sheikh Hasina has been in power for more than 15 years and is the daughter of Bangladesh’s founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She has employed the term “Razakar” to depict any opposition as a threat. Her previous role as a leader of a pro-democracy movement that toppled the military dictator Hossain Mohammad Ershad in 1990 now seems distant, as she has adopted an increasingly autocratic style.

Over the years, her government has been characterized by severe crackdowns on freedom of expression and suppression of dissent. Critics argue that Hasina has misused security forces, such as the Rapid Action Battalion, to attack and even kill opposition members and critical voices. The media landscape has also been affected, as many of the country’s media outlets are linked to her party, the Awami League (Awami League).

The protests began when Hasina, during a press conference on July 14, was asked about student demands for job quota reforms. Her dismissive response, which referenced “grandson of a Razakar,” quickly ignited the protests. Students took to the streets to express their opposition and used the label “Razakar” against Hasina.

The day after, violence erupted, resulting in at least six deaths on July 16, and over the following days, more than 200 people lost their lives, including many students and ordinary citizens. The government’s response focused more on damage to public buildings than on the human toll, further intensifying the anger of the involved students.

Hasina, who has a history as a student leader, now finds herself in a serious crisis. Her government, which once made strides in economic growth, is facing scrutiny over its handling of the protests and the serious human rights violations that have occurred during her administration.

Rony, the editor of Joban magazine, emphasizes that Hasina should be held accountable for the alleged crimes against humanity, noting that her regime has governed through fear and repression. The current protests reflect a populace weary of oppression and violence. Following this recent escalation of unrest, the question of the future of Hasina’s government and the political climate in the country is more pressing than ever.