Eight months into the political changeover that end the fascist Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, stakeholders, including certain political groups and sections of the public, are showing signs of confusion regarding the path forward. Questions remain about the necessary actions to build a new, democratic Bangladesh.
The 2024 uprising occurred was the result of a prolonged denial of democratic rights. The background to this mass movement was shaped over time by coercive governance, systemic corruption and repeated abuses of power under the Awami League regime. The tipping point was a three-week period of state violence that resulted in the killing of about 1,000 unarmed citizens and injuries to more than 20,000 others.
As citizens of a nation shaped by struggles of earlier generations, many have held on to the dream of a better life, a vibrant society, a just economic framework and a fair and functioning democratic system. Across decades, people have resisted various forms of misrule and aspired to build an inclusive republic.
Bangladesh came into being as a response to colonial exploitation and foreign domination. Yet, post liberation, the country has experienced extended periods of one-party authoritarianism, from 1972 to 1975 and, again, from 2009 to 2024 under the Awami League. In both the periods, people ultimately resisted autocracy. The recent uprising represents a continuation of that resistance, a refusal to accept the role of subjects to rulers and their allies. It was also an expression of a broader desire to reshape the structures of governance, foster tolerance and promote social harmony.
Whereas the people have endured immense hardship under fascistic rule and its local and international collaborators, the right to self-determination and the pursuit of collective well-being must now be reasserted. The uprising has laid a clear foundation for the creation of a new republic. It must be iterated that this country belongs to its people and they remain committed to serving it with dignity and integrity.
Given that the citizens were subjected to targeted violence, political persecution, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, all with the complicity of state actors and foreign interests, the establishment of a new republic must prioritise dismantling the culture of impunity. The safety and security of people must be ensured, along with collective efforts to protect the nation鈥檚 sovereignty and promote the national interest.
As the people of this country were denied equality and social justice during both colonial and large swathes of the post-colonial period, particularly over the past 15 years, the new generation is determined to create a state that is responsive to its citizens. This requires revising the constitution, reforming legal and institutional frameworks and working towards equitable justice and peace across all spheres.
In light of the concentration of power among political elites and the dominance of wealth and influence over public life, it is crucial to free society of injustice. The general population, especially marginalised communities, must be allowed to live with dignity, free from the grip of systemic corruption.
As Bangladesh was established with a commitment to democratic values and pluralism and as its people have consistently fought for democracy as a governing principle, the ballot must be restored as the legitimate means of selecting leaders. A functioning democracy requires open space for debates, reasoned argument and active engagement in political and civic life.
While the state should safeguard individual liberty and foster ambition, citizens must also take responsibility for the republic鈥檚 future, defending its independence and sovereignty in words and in deeds.
In the changed political context, rights of citizens to property, public services, justice and fair distribution of resources must be recognised legally and politically.
Given the understanding that power tends to corrupt, robust institutional safeguards must be implemented to prevent corruption. Political leaders and public officials should promote and uphold principles of transparency and accountability and the public must remain engaged and ready to speak out when the standards are breached.
As the previous regime worked to silence dissent, with the manipulation of the electoral process, the politicisation of the civil service and the judiciary and the suppression of independent media, there is an urgent need to create an environment in which speaking the truth is protected, not penalised, in every sphere of public life. In alignment with the changing needs and aspirations of the 21st century, the state must make provisions for nurturing talent and realising the potential of all its citizens. Support for young people should be prioritised, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
There is confidence that Bangladesh can emerge as a fully independent nation within the international community, guided by principles of sovereign equality, compliance with international law and equitable global partnership.
This uprising, above all, should lay the groundwork for building a prosperous and inclusive nation. To that end, the state must guarantee access to quality health care and, education, and secure living environments for every citizen.
To ensure the protection of people鈥檚 freedom and their collective welfare, the three organs of the state 鈥� the executive, the legislative and the judiciary 鈥� must operate independently and with appropriate checks and balances. Additionally, a vibrant fourth estate, an informed intelligentsia and a conscientious citizenry are essential for holding power to account and ensuring that public institutions serve people effectively.
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Khawaza Main Uddin ([email protected]) is a journalist.