Forty days after Sheikh Hasina Wajed fled from Dhaka, Bangladesh finds itself in a moment of both relief and uncertainty. The aftermath of her government’s brutal crackdown on student-led protests, which reportedly claimed over 1,000 lives, has left a significant mark on the country. The global intellectual community is now focused on understanding the rapid decline of Hasina’s power, the changing political landscape of Bangladesh, and what it signifies for the nation’s future.

For over 15 years, Hasina ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist. Her leadership, marked by the suppression of opposition and the creation of a cult around her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, painted her as a strong but increasingly autocratic figure. While she maintained a firm grip on the country, her sudden ouster has pacified widespread concerns about the erosion of democracy and her attempts to move towards a one-party system under the Awami League.

Some commentators have dubbed the student-led protests and Hasina’s subsequent fall as the ‘Monsoon Revolution,’ symbolizing a spontaneous and powerful push for change. Yet, while it is clear that the people’s will has been a decisive force, it remains uncertain whether this change will lead to long-term political stability. The Awami League has suffered a significant blow but will likely........

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