Bangladesh Military Coup Leaves ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dhaka in Doubt

Bangladesh is currently experiencing one of its most turbulent periods in history, with widespread protests causing significant turmoil. Over 300 people have lost their lives, and thousands more have been injured amid the civil unrest. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, has resigned and sought asylum in India. The military has taken control and plans to establish an interim government.

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Concerns Rise Over 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup As Bangladesh Faces Civil Unrest

This political and social upheaval has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to issue an official statement regarding the current situation in Bangladesh. The security threat in the country has reached its peak, with violent protests occurring nationwide.

In light of these developments, the ICC's Annual General Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka last month included discussions about Bangladesh's security issues, particularly with regard to the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. Reports indicate that the ICC is closely monitoring the situation and has noted that the event is still several months away. However, the escalating violence and instability continue to cast doubt on the feasibility of hosting the tournament in Bangladesh as planned.

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Why Are Protests Being Held in Bangladesh?

The protests in Bangladesh began after a court reinstated a quota system for government jobs. The quota is said to have reserved 30 percent of government jobs for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war against Pakistan. The quota system was originally established in 1972 but was briefly abolished in 2018 before being reinstated. 

Critics of the aforementioned quota system say that it will unfairly benefit the supporters of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party. To oppose the quota system, students took to the streets in large numbers. The protests escalated after students clashed violently with police and law enforcement authorities. In response to the violence taking place across the country, the government declared an indefinite curfew and shut down the internet.