¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·

The people of Bangladesh have long held a vision of a developed, prosperous nation where peace reigns, discrimination is non-existent, and every citizen has access to justice, rule of law, economic opportunity, and social and health well-being. For years, this dream of a fair and just society seemed elusive, particularly when faced with deep-rooted political instability, corruption, and oppressive regimes. The revolution of July 2024, however, has reignited hope in the hearts of many Bangladeshis. It opened the door to a brighter future, one where the seemingly insurmountable task of removing a fascist regime — responsible for destroying the nation’s institutions and economy — was finally achieved. But while this event marked a victory for the people, it also uncovered the deep psychological scars inflicted upon the nation. These scars have the potential to undermine the very prosperity the people seek to build.

The revolution succeeded in ousting a fascist regime that had torn apart the country’s economy and the institutions meant to protect its people. These institutions, which should have been pillars of governance and stability, were left shattered. However, the damage inflicted by the regime did not stop at physical destruction. The most insidious and long-lasting damage was to the morality of the people. The regime manipulated public opinion, brainwashed the masses, and distorted the minds of a significant portion of the population. The followers of the regime, in particular, were subjected to a psychological campaign that stripped them of their rational thinking, turning them into individuals who could no longer differentiate between right and wrong. This has resulted in what we can now call ‘psychopathic hypocrites’ — individuals who, despite their society’s progress, continue to harbour destructive tendencies.

These individuals, living well within the general population and while many may appear to be ordinary citizens, harbour a dangerous potential to sabotage any effort toward progress. Their minds, moulded by years of dictatorship and propaganda, remain susceptible to reverting to their former behaviours. Given the opportunity, they are likely to act against the pursuit of prosperity, even at the cost of the nation’s well-being. Their actions, driven by a distorted sense of loyalty to the past regime and its values, threaten to hinder the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

The rhetoric of the past regime’s leader, Hasina, who advocated for harsh measures against those opposing her regime, is still fresh in the memory of many. Hasina’s words were aimed at inciting fear and violence against dissenters. In contrast, the chief adviser of the interim government, a man of more temperate rhetoric, has expressed a more inclusive philosophy for the nation’s future. He has stated his commitment to integrating all citizens into the nation’s forward march, excluding only those who have committed criminal offences. Even those who have committed crimes may find a place in the new Bangladesh, but only after undergoing due trial and receiving appropriate punishment.

While the chief adviser’s approach of national integration is noble, it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles will come from the very individuals who were products of the fascist regime — those psychopathic hypocrites who, if left unchecked, could obstruct the nation’s progress. The task of integrating these individuals into mainstream society without allowing them to disrupt the country’s efforts toward prosperity is a delicate and complex one.

As the chief adviser pointed out, ‘We cannot throw them out of the country, nor can we cast them aside. They are our children; they are our people.’ This statement reflects a deep truth. Regardless of their past affiliations, these individuals are a part of Bangladesh’s social fabric. A nation cannot simply abandon its citizens because they have made mistakes in the past, no matter how grave those mistakes may have been. It is crucial to remember that a family may have a sick child or an individual with mental challenges, and society must take responsibility for providing care. Similarly, Bangladesh must take responsibility for rehabilitating its psychopathic hypocrites, helping them regain their moral compass and reintegrating them as productive, positive members of society.

However, this rehabilitation process must be well thought out and methodically planned. There is no simple solution, and the government must put in place a structured framework to guide these individuals back to a place where they can positively contribute to the nation’s growth. The first step in this process is to identify those who need help. The government must compile a comprehensive list of individuals who are likely to fall into the category of psychopathic hypocrites. This list should primarily include individuals who were ardent activists of the previous regime, but it may also encompass others who, though not directly involved in criminal activities, still harbour negative influences that could pose a threat to the country’s future progress.

Once identified, these individuals must go through a rehabilitation process that includes counselling, education, and motivation. This process would aim to normalise their mental and emotional states, preparing them to re-enter society as positive forces for change. The goal is not to punish or ostracise them but to guide them back to a place where they can make meaningful contributions to society’s well-being.

Although Bangladesh’s situation is unique, it is not unprecedented. Many other countries that have experienced similar political turmoil and oppression have dealt with the aftermath through truth and reconciliation commissions. These commissions provided a platform for nations to confront the atrocities of their past, offer amnesty to those who confessed to their crimes, and initiate processes of national healing and reconciliation.

For example, South Africa (1996–2002) established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to expose the brutalities of apartheid. The commission not only offered amnesty to perpetrators who fully disclosed their involvement in abuses but also recommended reparations for victims and institutional reforms to prevent such atrocities in the future. Similarly, Argentina (1983–1984) established the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons to document forced disappearances during the military dictatorship and hold the perpetrators accountable. Chile (1991–1996) created the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge human rights abuses, recommend reparations, and foster national reconciliation.

Other countries like Canada (2008–2015), Peru (2001–2003), Sierra Leone (2002–2004), Rwanda (1999–2003), East Timor (2002–2005), Guatemala (1997–1999), Liberia (2006–2009), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2000–2004) also established similar commissions to address their respective historical injustices.

Bangladesh can take inspiration from these experiences. However, it must also tailor its approach to its unique context, taking into account the cultural, political, and technological landscape of the nation. Technological advancements, in particular, can help streamline the process of gathering information and facilitating the integration of individuals into society. A modern, tech-enabled system can ensure that this process is both efficient and accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background.

One approach that could be adopted is the creation of a simple, web-based registration form accessible via mobile phones. This form would allow individuals to register their details and provide answers to a series of questions that will help gauge their mental and emotional state. For example, questions might ask whether they were supporters of the former regime, whether they felt remorse for their past actions, or whether they believe the actions of the regime were harmful to the nation. Basic information, such as name, address, and other necessary details, could be collected directly from their national identification documents. Once submitted, each individual would receive an automated ID number that could be used for future reference.

This information could then be used to design customised rehabilitation programs for each individual, ensuring that the process is tailored to their unique psychological needs. A dedicated committee or commission could be formed to oversee the implementation of this plan, ensuring that it is carried out effectively and that individuals who register are not harassed or persecuted unless they have committed a criminal offence.

The path to a prosperous Bangladesh is undoubtedly a challenging one, and the psychological remnants of a fascist regime represent a significant hurdle. Yet, with thoughtful planning and the integration of modern technology, Bangladesh can overcome these challenges. By implementing a well-designed rehabilitation and integration program, similar to those seen in other nations, Bangladesh can transform its past wounds into a source of strength. The people of Bangladesh deserve a future where they can live in peace, free from the shackles of the past, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. It is time to heal the wounds of the past and create a society where every citizen — regardless of their history — has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s future.

Ìý

Md Farid Alam is a retired lieutenant colonel.