The student protests in Bangladesh, fighting for structural reforms and justice, can draw significant lessons from the recent anti-extradition protests in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong protests, marked by their resilience, innovation, and strategic execution, provide a blueprint for effective activism under authoritarian regimes.
Hong Kong's anti-extradition protests have become a symbol of resistance against the erosion of freedoms. The protests, which began with millions of peaceful marchers, quickly escalated when hundreds of university and secondary-school students stormed the Legislative Council (LegCo) on the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China. This bold act of defiance was labeled "extremely violent" by Chief Executive Carrie Lam, leaving international observers puzzled. How could young activists, known for their discipline in cleaning up and recycling during protests, resort to vandalism?
Unlike the Umbrella Movement of 2014, which had a structured leadership, this wave of protests in Hong Kong was leaderless. This decentralized approach helped avoid arrests and transcended internal disagreements over strategies. Official student unions and civil society groups coordinated protest actions, but decisions were made collectively, often through votes among masked protesters on the spot.
This leaderless, decentralized approach can be particularly instructive for Bangladeshi student protesters. During the Bangladeshi quota protests of 2024, there were 23 named coordinators. Many of these coordinators were picked up, tortured, and coerced into withdrawing their support for the protests. By avoiding identifiable leaders, the movement can protect itself from targeted arrests and legal repercussions. Decisions can be made through collective agreement, ensuring that actions reflect the consensus of the protesters.
The Hong Kong protests also demonstrate the power of flash mobs. Protesters would gather quickly, create a significant impact through noise and slogans, and then disperse before the police could respond. This tactic kept the authorities on their toes and prevented mass arrests. Bangladeshi protesters can adopt similar strategies, organizing brief, high-impact demonstrations that disperse rapidly to avoid police crackdowns.
International attention has been crucial for the Hong Kong protests. Protesters used English on placards and banners to ensure global understanding and support. Large, visible banners with clear messages were displayed prominently, drawing international media coverage.
For Bangladeshi protesters, using English in slogans and social media posts can help attract global attention and support, amplifying their voice on the international stage.
Building robust local networks was another effective strategy employed by Hong Kong protesters. They communicated through non-digital means, using local businesses and even homeless individuals to pass messages. This approach helped bypass digital surveillance. Bangladeshi protesters can benefit from establishing similar local networks, using everyday items and trusted points of contact for discreet communication and coordination.
Social media played a pivotal role in organizing and spreading the Hong Kong protests. Platforms like Telegram were used for coordination, while viral content on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter drew international attention.
However, protesters also developed offline communication methods to protect their identities and plans. Bangladeshi students should continue leveraging social media for awareness and organization while being mindful of digital security.
The "Milk Tea Alliance," a coalition of activists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Myanmar, exemplifies the strength of international solidarity. This coalition provided mutual support and shared strategies, strengthening each movement. Bangladeshi protesters can seek solidarity with student movements in other countries, building alliances with international organizations and human rights groups for support and resources.
Effective messaging has been a strength of the Hong Kong protests. Slogans like "Five demands, not one less" were easily understood and repeated by supporters worldwide. Simple, memorable slogans can be more effective than lengthy explanations. Bangladeshi students need to craft compelling messages that encapsulate their demands and resonate both locally and globally. Visual symbols, such as specific colors or imagery, can create a strong, unified identity for the movement.
The Hong Kong protests have shown the importance of small victories in maintaining momentum. Despite not achieving their ultimate goal, the suspension of the extradition bill was seen as a significant win, motivating more people to join the cause. For Bangladeshi protesters, the recent Supreme Court decision to reduce the quota can be celebrated as a small but important success. Acknowledging such victories can keep morale high and demonstrate progress to their supporters.
Lastly, the need for leadership, unity, and strategic planning cannot be overstated. While leaderless movements have their advantages, a sustainable movement requires coordination and strategic planning. The Hong Kong protests highlighted the limits of impromptu actions, showing that even decentralized movements need clear strategies and goals.
The Bangladeshi student protests can benefit from studying Hong Kong's recent movements. By adopting decentralized decision-making, using innovative tactics like flash mobs, seeking international attention, building local networks, leveraging social media, forming international alliances, crafting effective messages, celebrating small victories, and ensuring strategic planning, Bangladeshi students can enhance their movement and push for the change they seek.
