Asia-Pacific Overview: August 2024

In this Regional Overview

1. Bangladesh: ​​Interim government forms following deadly demonstrations
2. Indonesia: Parliament’s attempt to revise regional election laws sparks nationwide protests
3. Myanmar: Armed groups increasingly target Rohingya in northern Rakhine state
4. Pakistan: Separatist violence rises in Balochistan province
5. Papua New Guinea: Politically motivated rioting breaks out in East Sepik
6. South China Sea: The Philippines and China face off in airspace after a vessel collision

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Bangladesh: ​​Interim government forms following deadly demonstrations

Tensions between demonstrators — who demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — and the government came to a head on 4 August. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement called upon demonstrators to exercise civil disobedience against the government. These maneuvers triggered an escalation of deadly clashes that left over 100 people dead. The violence led to the Anti-discrimination Students Movement’s ‘Long March to Dhaka’ in defiance of a nationwide curfew. As thousands gathered near the Prime Minister’s residence, Hasina resigned and fled to India by helicopter.¹

Violence erupted across the country following the news of her resignation. Mobs attacked local AL leaders, set ablaze establishments associated with the AL, and targeted members of the minority Hindu community. Over 200 people were reportedly killed in the violence on 5 August alone. ACLED records over 500 reported fatalities in the demonstrations and subsequent violence across July and August; other sources place the figure higher, at around 700.²

Although violence tapered out toward the end of the month, ACLED continues to record an above-average number of weekly demonstrations in Bangladesh. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took over on 8 August.⁴

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Indonesia: Parliament’s attempt to revise regional election laws sparks nationwide protests

Thousands of Indonesians protested against the parliament’s attempt to change electoral eligibility rules for regional elections. ACLED records over 100 demonstration events in Indonesia on 22 and 23 August, with one-fifth turning violent. Following the demonstrations, the parliament canceled its plan to override the Constitutional Court’s decisions.⁶

Correction (12 December 2024): The original version of this section included a typo related to the position for which President Joko Widodo’s son will be allowed to be a candidate. It now correctly reflects the position: regional head in Central Java.

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Myanmar: ​​Armed groups increasingly target Rohingya in northern Rakhine state

Rohingya civilians are suffering mass killing, forced displacement, and abduction by armed groups in northern Rakhine state. The ULA/AA attempted to seize the last remaining border guard battalion, resulting in high fatalities.⁷

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Pakistan: Separatist violence rises in Balochistan province

Political violence in Pakistan’s Balochistan province doubled in August, marking it the deadliest month in nearly six years. BLA and BLF armed groups are waging a separatist campaign.¹⁰

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Papua New Guinea: Politically motivated rioting breaks out in East Sepik

An incident between supporters of current and former MPs triggered a mass riot in Maprik, East Sepik province. Police arrested over 170 suspects. The violence came two months after the by-election in Maprik.¹³

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South China Sea: The Philippines and China face off in airspace after a vessel collision

Tensions in the South China Sea flared after a collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels. The Philippines and China traded condemnations over the incidents.¹⁷

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