Karma’s Circle: The ISI’s Masterstroke and the Fall of Sheikh Hasina

Sheikh Hasina has recently stepped down as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a position she had held continuously since 2009. Her resignation comes after widespread national protests, which were driven by discontent with the country’s reservation policy.

In a dramatic shift in South Asian politics, Sheikh Hasina, who has long been a key ally of India, has been forced from power amidst nationwide protests and a severe crackdown by her government. Hasina’s resignation marks the end of her tenure as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, a position she held since 2009. Her fall follows a turbulent period characterized by severe unrest over the national reservation policy and allegations of brutal government responses, including the suspension of internet services and violent repression of protesters.

The policy allocated reservations for the descendants of 1971 war veterans, a conflict that led to Bangladesh’s independence. However, this quota was highly unpopular among students, who argued that it disproportionately favored supporters of the Awami League.