Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Bangladesh’s people have neither witnessed such a fall nor such a victory.
Sheikh Hasina’s awful collapse and dire repercussions can be attributed to her arrogance, egotism, and inclination to criticize individuals who have different opinions without showing them any dignity.
She has also made disastrous decisions surrounded by flattery. Without comprehending that her actions were contributing to her own demise, she grew increasingly fearless and irresponsible.
Her final deed infuriated everyone in the nation. Afterwards, the student anti-discrimination movement evolved into a single-minded demand for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and an end to her misrule.
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and escape could mark a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. These developments indicate a new era of political and social changes that could shape the country’s future. Bangladesh now faces a significant challenge to rebuild public trust and establish a democratic and transparent government.
This analysis shows that social and economic dissatisfaction, combined with severe government repression and international pressure, can lead to major political changes and pave the way for fundamental reforms. Bangladesh is now on the brink of a new era of change that will have impacts not only within the country but also on an international level.
After the fall of the Hasina government, political analysts assumed that military rule would be established in Bangladesh. Even if the army took power, the people might have welcomed it. But the army initially took a far-sighted decision. All political parties are invited to the military headquarters.
The army chief clearly informed that the interim government will be established after discussing with everyone. The most significant statement came from the leaders of the student movement. They suggested the name of Yunus. He agreed to fulfill this responsibility. Dr. Yunus was the victim of Sheikh Hasina’s revenge.
Through, Dr. Yunus, the new journey of democratic Bangladesh can begin. In a real sense, perhaps under his leadership, the politics of division will end and Bangladesh will move forward. Now an interim government is required to go through the necessary reforms of the state and go for fresh elections.
It is important and very timely initiative to discuss some outline of the responsibilities of the Interim Government. The interim government should immediately set up an internationally acceptable and fair commission of inquiry under the UN to prosecute crimes against humanity and a special tribunal in its wake to bring to justice those responsible for all the killings and tortures committed during the uprising.
This step is vital to restore faith in the rule of law and accountability. In addition, the interim government must take significant steps to compensate families who lost loved ones during the recent protests and state repression over the past 15 years. It is also necessary to dismiss all the false cases fabricated for the purpose of oppression and conspiracy.
Our belief is that the fascist government that has ruled Bangladesh for the past ten years is primarily a form of constitutional dictatorship or fascism. Therefore, without making significant amendments to the current constitution, it is difficult to establish a liberal democratic system. In light of this, the Interim Government ought to expedite the constitutional reformation process by holding elections to create a Constituent Assembly within the allotted six months.
The duty of changing the constitution to address significant challenges should fall to this council. A couple of the most important reforms should be limiting the prime minister’s term to two terms in order to prevent an unfair allocation of power and guaranteeing MPs the freedom to vote in parliament without following party lines.
Once more, the constitutional council ought to investigate any legislation that might be added to the constitution that would compel the political parties to engage in internal democracy. It goes without saying that a party that does not uphold democracy inside its own ranks will impede democratic practices throughout the nation.
The interim government of Dr. Yunus will be able to handle this dire situation in Bangladesh. The nation will be trauma-free under his able and capable leadership. However, we must prioritize the following sectors for immediate relief and to address potential issues: First of all, law and order must be maintained, and transparency and accountability must be ensured in all areas. Besides, attention should be given to infrastructure reforms by giving priority to the education, health, and economic sectors.
It should be mentioned that, in this situation, all ongoing initiatives and committees ought to be disbanded, and appropriate adjustments and modifications ought to be made. In addition, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of syndicated corruption in all these industries, including information technology, gas, power, and water.
There should be greater market control over the source of food and other commodities. It is recommended that Social Security Committees be established at the union, upazila, and local government levels to promote rural development and peacekeeping.
Various sub-committees can be formed for social development under the banner of social security under the supervision of the head teacher or principal of the school college by screening the honest, responsible, principled, and acceptable people of society to select good and ideal people.
In this case, a district- and upazila-based monitoring committee is very important, and above all, there is a need to form a security council with high power at the national level. Bangladesh will be trauma-free, and the nation will breathe a sigh of relief. Above all, a new path of progress will be revealed by keeping the flag of a peaceful and humane Bangladesh high; this is the expectation of the common people from the new government.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP).
