THE recent events in Bangladesh have jolted the nation. What began as peaceful protests by public university students demanding the reforms in the quota system in public jobs has escalated into a crisis marked by violence, injuries and extensive damage to public property. The core of this crisis lies not just in the immediate violence but in a deeper, systemic failure of the nation鈥檚 institutions.
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Institutional personality
INSTITUTIONAL personality refers to the collective characteristics, behaviours and values that define an institution鈥檚 identity and influence its interactions with society. This concept encompasses the institution鈥檚 culture, norms and the way it conducts its activities. Historically, universities in Bangladesh were centres of intellectual freedom and critical thought. However, recent shifts have transformed these institutions towards compliance and control, prioritising state directives over free expression and academic inquiry. Vice chancellors and proctors, once guardians of intellectual freedom, now enforce orthodoxy and state control. This shift has turned campuses into extensions of state authority, where dissent is harshly punished. The result is a profound corrosion of the institutional personality of universities, which mirrors a broader malaise afflicting the entire institutional fabric of Bangladesh.
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Systemic institutional collapse
BANGLADESH is grappling with a crisis that extends beyond the immediate unrest. The recent protests and the government鈥檚 heavy-handed response have exposed the underlying vulnerabilities of a state where institutions have been reduced to mere facades. The police force, meant to protect citizens, has become a tool of oppression. Officers, once respected, are now seen as instruments of state violence, eroding public trust. The judiciary, once a cornerstone of democracy, has seen its independence compromised, creating a culture of impunity where the powerful act without accountability. The media, another pillar of democracy, faces increasing pressure, with journalists intimidated, censored or even killed for questioning the government.
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Immediate crisis and its aftermath
THE recent protests began with students demanding a reform of the quota system, which the government could have addressed in 2018 but refused. The High Court had also stated that the government could reform the system if necessary. The students promised to withdraw from the streets once their demand was met. The situation escalated when the prime minister mentioned Razakars during a press conference. The Awami League general secretary then declared that the Chhatra League would respond to the protesters. This led to violence when the student wing of the ruling party attacked the protesters, resulting in over 300 injuries. Despite the home minister鈥檚 warning that law enforcers would take a hardline approach if protesters stepped out of line, law enforcement personnel stood by as the Chhatra League unleashed violence. The nation teeters on the brink. A simple, just demand has been met with iron fists. The government, instead of listening, has chosen confrontation. Their arrogance has ignited a firestorm, a conflagration that threatens to consume us all. Young people, driven by righteous anger, have taken to the streets. Their passion, while sometimes misguided, is a mirror reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of a nation.
The government鈥檚 response has been a masterclass in provocation: threats, violence and a complete disregard for human life. The government鈥檚 recent decision to partially restore fixed-line internet service while maintaining a nationwide shutdown is a clear attempt to control information flow and suppress dissent. This selective restoration of connectivity is a blatant attempt to manipulate public opinion and maintain its grip on power.
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A nation in chains
BANGLADESH is a nation in chains, its spirit broken and its future stolen. We are witnessing a dangerous game of chicken, with the nation as the unwitting passenger. The government, blinded by power, is playing with fire. The youth, fuelled by desperation, are ready to ignite it. This is a recipe for disaster. Wisdom and restraint are desperately needed. Both sides must step back from the precipice. The government must hear the people鈥檚 voice, and the protesters must channel their anger into constructive action. The path forward is narrow, and the stakes are high. We must find a way to reconcile our differences, or we risk losing everything. They came as students, with the innocence of youth and the idealism of a generation yearning for change. They demanded, politely at first, a reform that was long overdue, a simple adjustment to a system that favoured the privileged over the meritocratic. Their voices were drowned out by the indifference of a government that seemed more concerned with its own longevity than the aspirations of its people. Universities, once sanctuaries of thought, are now barracks of obedience. The police, once guardians of the peace, are now stormtroopers for a regime terrified of its own people. The judiciary, supposed to be the blindfolded lady of justice, is now a masked dancer to the tune of the ruling elite. The media, once a watchdog, is now a lapdog, its bark muffled by fear.
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Rebuilding institutional integrity
TO REBUILD Bangladesh, it is essential to restore the integrity of its institutions. This requires a fundamental shift in how we view the role of these institutions in society. Here are specific recommendations for reforming these institutions:
Universities
Autonomy: Universities must be granted greater autonomy to manage their affairs without political interference. This includes the appointment of vice chancellors and other key positions based on merit rather than political allegiance.
Academic freedom: Policies should be implemented to protect academic freedom, allowing scholars to pursue research and express ideas without fear of retribution.
Student representation: Establishing robust student unions that can participate in university governance can ensure that student voices are heard and respected.
Police force
Accountability: Implementing independent oversight bodies to investigate and address misconduct within the police force can help restore public trust. These bodies should have the authority to hold officers accountable for abuses of power.
Training: Providing comprehensive training on human rights and community policing can help officers better serve and protect citizens.
Transparency: Regular public reporting on police activities and incidents of misconduct can increase transparency and accountability.
Judiciary
Independence: Ensuring the judiciary鈥檚 independence from political influence is crucial. This can be achieved by establishing clear and transparent processes for the appointment and removal of judges.
Legal reforms: Implementing legal reforms to protect judicial independence and prevent interference from other branches of government.
Access to justice: Enhancing access to justice for all citizens, particularly marginalised groups, by providing legal aid and ensuring fair and timely trials.
Media
Freedom of the press: Protecting journalists from intimidation and violence is essential. Laws should be enacted to safeguard press freedom and ensure that journalists can report without fear of retribution.
Independent media: Encouraging the development of independent media outlets that are free from government control can provide diverse perspectives and hold those in power accountable.
Public awareness: Promoting media literacy among the public can help citizens critically evaluate news sources and resist misinformation.
This process will be long and arduous, requiring courage, determination and a commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance. However, it is essential if Bangladesh is to emerge from its current crisis and build a better future for its people. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is not insurmountable. The people of Bangladesh have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They have the potential to rebuild their nation, restore its institutions and create a society where democracy, justice and human rights prevail.
Strengthening the institutional personality of Bangladesh鈥檚 professional sectors is crucial. Universities, law enforcement, the judiciary and the media must reclaim their roles as independent and robust institutions that serve the public interest. It is time for Bangladesh to rise from the ashes, reclaim its destiny and become a nation of hope and promise.
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Abdul Monaiem Kudrot Ullah, a retired captain of the Bangladesh navy, is serving in a private company.