Insane number of protests is crippling Bangladesh economy: All you need to know

The political crisis in Bangladesh has had a debilitating effect on its economy. According to an article published by a major daily, there has been over 500 protests in Dhaka alone since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. Between 13th to 22nd of May alone, there were at least 50 protests across the capital, which included blockades of multiple critical roads.

The protests reached a peak on the 18th of May when as many as 8 protests rocked Dhaka. The reasons behind the protests vary drastically, ranging from demands related to jobs to justice for the victim of a murder. On recent occasions, dismissed members of the Army have also hit the streets demanding the restoration of their jobs.

NBR protests halt trade at key Bangladesh ports

The protests are not limited to the capital city alone. Protests have rocked the garment industry and its ports as well, which has led to economic losses to the tune of millions of dollars on a recurrent basis. For instance on Saturday May 24, trade at multiple key ports was disrupted due to protests by the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

The NBR protests have been prompted by the interim government’s decision to dissolve the apex tax administration body in Bangladesh. Income Tax, Customs and VAT officials completely halted work related to imports on Saturday demanding the immediate repeal of the ordinance. So far, work related to exports have not been halted but if demands are not met by Monday, that will be stopped as well.

Import operations at the Chattogram Port, which handles approximately 90% of the country’s foreign trade were completely halted till 5 pm on Saturday. Work was halted at the Benapole Custom House as well while operations were limited at Dhaka Customs House. According to The Business Standard, industry leaders have asserted that continued protests would damage the country’s international reputation, trigger price hikes and destabilise the domestic market.

The executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association told TBS, “If this happens, the economy could suffer a daily blow of $250 million. Missing shipments could result in order cancellations and discounts. Our reputation in global markets is at risk.”

The president of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association shared similar concerns. He said, “Customs clearance for imported goods was completely stopped on Saturday. Officials have told us export services will only continue until Sunday. From Monday, everything stops. If that happens, we are in deep trouble.”

Nationwide Petrol Pump Strikes

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council went on a strike from 6 am on Sunday demanding increased shares in the fuel sales commission. The strike was called off later the same day after the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) assured the protesters that the commission will be raised to 7% within 15 working days.

The protesters submitted a 7-point demand of which only one has been met so far. They have threatened to resume the strike if the rest of their demands are not met within 2 months. As part of their half-day strike, petrol pumps were shut down and fuel extraction and transportation from depots were halted.

Protests by Garment Industry Workers

There have been consistent protests by garment industry workers across the country ever since the interim government took charge in August last year. There are news reports on a daily basis of protests by workers in some area or the other. The protests relate to unpaid wages, bonuses and better work conditions among others.

On the 23rd of May, the Industrial Police baton-charged workers who had blocked a highway to demand their unpaid wages. “The workers of closed Mahmud Jeans Limited blocked the busy highway around 10am, demanding their unpaid wages, causing long traffic tailbacks. We intervened to clear the road,” the Ghazipur Industrial Police said.

There was a protest in Dhaka as well when an 8-member delegation was set to meet to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Several hundred workers attempted to march to the Chief Adviser’s residence but were stopped midway by Law Enforcement Officials.

The protesters chanted slogans such as, “We want our wages and bonuses—settle all dues today,” “We do not want charity, we demand our rightful dues,” “Where is the sweat of 14 months? TNZ must answer!”

The TNZ Group, a major readymade garment exporter and manufacturer, reportedly owes nearly 21.86 crore Taka (local currency) to about 1,100 workers.

Meanwhile, the National Garment Workers Federation and the Ekota Garment Workers Federation have threatened to enforce a blockade of the Ministry of Labour and Employment if their unpaid dues and bonuses are not paid.

Political Protests in Bangladesh

Political protests in Bangladesh did not end with the removal of Sheikh Hasina. It was only the beginning. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the National Citizen Party (NCP) founded by the student leaders and the Jamaat-e-Islami, all of them have blocked streets in Dhaka at some point or the other over the past year. They continue to do so to this day.

The Chhatra Dal, affiliated to the BNP, blocked Shahbag for 7 hours on Thursday demanding justice for the murdered organisation functionary Shahriar Alam Shammo. Three individuals have already been arrested for murdering Shammo following an altercation initiated by a motorcycle collision. However, the protesters threatened to lay siege to Muhammad Yunus’s residence if their demands are not met. Their demands include the resignations of Dhaka University’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed.

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and his supporters demonstrated on the streets for 8 consecutive days demanding his swearing-in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. Ultimately, a Court cleared the way for his swearing in. Following the verdict, Hossain apologised to the public for the inconvenience caused.

He said, “We sincerely apologise for the public suffering caused by our programmes. However, one day, people will understand why this movement was essential. Our struggle is far from over.”

However, Hossain’s demands now include the removal of two student leaders who are advisers to the interim government. He declared, “We are standing firm on our call for the resignation of the government’s two student advisers, as announced yesterday. The government will be under observation for the next 24 to 48 hours. If the advisers do not step down within that time, we will return to the streets.”

Miscellaneous Protests featuring Health Association members, dismissed Army recruits etc

The Bangladesh Health Assistant Association (BHAA) organised a sit-in protest near the National Press Club that eventually found its way into the Secretariat Metro Station. The protesters have their own 7-point demand which they want the interim government to fulfil.

The commuters were mighty displeased by the inconvenience it caused them. One commuter said, “If they want to protest, let them do it down on the street. Why are they upstairs too? Is this some kind of joke? They’re everywhere. I needed to exit from one side but had to go all the way around because of them.”

There was another protest underway until the 18th of May by dismissed members of the Armed Forces. Those protests were suspended after negotiations between them and representatives of the military at the National Press Club. Their core demand is reinstatement to service along with all associated benefits since the day of dismissal.

Is this why the Chief Adviser is frustrated?

There were rumours for a brief period in the past couple of days of Muhammad Yunus threatening to resign. The immediate cause of it might have been a rebuke from the Army Chief but there is enough evidence to suggest that the Chief Adviser is becoming increasingly frustrated with the turn of events.

Yunus met representatives of political parties on Saturday, who have been demanding elections by the end of the year. The non-cooperation of political parties, the rebuke from the Army and the protests that are turning the country into an ungovernable hellscape are all contributing to Yunus’s increasing frustration.