Crisis Management of the Anti-quota Student Movement in Bangladesh: Governance Capacity in Misery

Abstract

This study assesses the governance capacity of Bangladesh’s recently ousted government, the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), led by Sheikh Hasina, on August 5, 2024, in managing the anti-quota student movement. This study finds major weaknesses in crisis management, including poor preparedness, coordination, and implementation by the last BAL government in Bangladesh. This study used a netnographic approach—a qualitative research method involving systematic observation and analysis to study online communities and cultures—and a literature review, which reveals that the Sheikh Hasina–led 16-year (2008–2024) administration failed to comprehend the anti-quota student movement crisis unfolding between July 1 and August 5, 2024. The 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement began as a student-led protest from July 1, 2024, against the government’s quota system, which involves reserved seats for various categories of people in public jobs. It later, throughout July 2024 until August 5, 2024, evolved into a broader pro-democracy uprising, especially after a violent crackdown by the government in July that killed many student protesters, becoming known as the July Revolution. The government’s inability to gauge public sentiment and respond effectively reflects weak political leadership, an authoritarian governance style, and a disconnect between state policies and citizen concerns. The overthrown government struggled to engage with public attitudes and behaviors, further weakening the crisis response. A key practical implication is the government’s failure to uphold sustainable development goal 16, which emphasizes peaceful, inclusive societies, access to justice, and strong institutions. The findings urge better governance strategies to effectively manage public dissent and political crises.