Md Ziaul Haque :
The chronicles of history are filled with instances of student-driven movements that have profoundly impacted the paths of nations.
Noteworthy among these are the Tiananmen Square protests in China in 1989 and the Bangladesh Quota Movement in 2024, which reveal striking differences not only in their outcomes but also in the fundamental motivations behind them.
While both movements were initiated by students, their objectives and the breadth of their concerns underscore a significant divergence in the character of their activism.
Tiananmen 1989: A Fight for Universal Freedo
In 1989, a group of students convened at Tiananmen Square in China, not merely to advocate for their individual rights but to demand greater freedoms for all citizens. Their grievances highlighted widespread issues such as government corruption, a lack of transparency, and the infringement of basic human rights. The protesters sought to cultivate a society where every person, regardless of their social status, could enjoy fundamental democratic principles such as freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
These students demonstrated a deep awareness of the extensive challenges facing their country. They recognized that their efforts transcended personal ambitions; they symbolized a broader struggle for the future well-being of every citizen in China. Through hunger strikes and large-scale demonstrations, they manifested a collective desire for a more just and equitable society—one where individuals could live free from oppression.
The Tiananmen movement represented a selfless pursuit of universal welfare, undertaken even at great personal risk.
Bangladesh 2024: A Contracted Focus on Job Security
In a notable shift, the Bangladesh Quota Movement of 2024 emerged as a student-led protest primarily aimed at advocating for government job opportunities for university graduates.
This movement was triggered by a governmental policy that reserved a substantial number of public sector positions for specific groups, consequently undermining merit-based opportunities for candidates. While the validity of their demands is indisputable and they have every right to pursue justice, the narrow scope of their requests suggests a focus on personal gain rather than an overarching concern for societal well-being.
Unlike the demonstrators at Tiananmen Square, who sought reforms that would benefit the broader population, the Bangladeshi students concentrated on securing their own employment and largely neglected pressing national issues such as widespread corruption, severe poverty, labor struggles, rising prices, deteriorating infrastructure, environmental pollution, inadequate healthcare services, and declining educational standards impacting ordinary citizens. The movement’s failure to adopt an inclusive vision similar to that of the Tiananmen protests has led to criticism regarding its perceived self-interested nature and shortsightedness.
The Limits of Self-Interest
The Bangladesh Quota Movement’s success in persuading the government to revise the quota system marked a significant victory for the student community; however, this achievement came at the expense of instigating broader societal change.
By focusing solely on their own career opportunities, the students failed to seize an essential opportunity to address systemic issues affecting all segments of society, not just those with higher education. This narrow viewpoint raises important questions regarding the essence of student activism: Should it be driven by individual gain, or should it seek to improve the welfare of the entire populace?
In comparison, although the Tiananmen Square protests faced harsh repression, they left a lasting impact due to their profound message. The willingness of students to sacrifice their lives for a shared cause continues to lend significance to their movement today. Conversely, the legacy of the Bangladesh Quota Movement may be viewed as one characterized by missed opportunities, where aspirations for personal advancement overshadowed potential avenues for substantial societal transformation.
The Aftermath
The repercussions of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 and the Bangladesh Uprising in 2024 revealed notable differences in their outcomes and the associated loss of life. In the Tiananmen Square incident, Chinese authorities resorted to brutal military measures, culminating in a tragic and violent crackdown on June 4, 1989.
Estimates regarding the number of fatalities among students and civilians vary widely, with figures ranging from several hundred to potentially over a thousand. The Chinese government has since taken extensive measures to suppress any discussion or acknowledgment of this massacre, thereby obscuring the true casualty numbers under a shroud of secrecy.
Conversely, while the Bangladesh Uprising of 2024 was characterized by significant fervor and broad participation, it resulted in a notably lower death toll. As of August 2, official reports indicated 215 fatalities and more than 20,000 injuries, along with over 11,000 arrests nationwide. Unofficial estimates suggest that the number of deaths may fall between 300 and 500. Each loss is deeply mourned, and we express our sincere condolences to those who have lost their lives.
Many analysts contend that despite its primary focus on self-interest—specifically related to the Quota Movement—the uprising produced positive developments; particularly noteworthy was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s increasing pressure from civil unrest that ultimately led to her resignation on August 5, 2024.
The intensity of the protests and growing discontent among citizens forced her to seek asylum in India amid this political turmoil. In line with CNN, “The prime minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, resigned and fled to neighboring India on Monday after protesters stormed her official residence after weeks of deadly anti-government demonstrations in the South Asian nation.”
Conclusion
In a society characterized by ongoing disparities, corruption, and injustice, the necessity for comprehensive movements has become increasingly urgent. I hold a profound sympathy for the demonstrators of the Bangladesh Quota Movement in their quest for rights; however, it is essential for future generations of activists to learn from the enduring legacy of the students from Tiananmen Square. Their fight for universal freedoms remains a source of inspiration for those dedicated to fostering a more just and equitable world for all.
(The writer is a poet, author, columnist, and an Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Creative Technology, Chittagong)