Bangladesh in a better position than post-'Arab Spring' states: Dr Zahed

Policy and Strategy Adviser to the Prime Minister and Adviser to the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said Bangladesh remains in a far stronger position than several Middle Eastern countries that descended into conflict after the 'Arab Spring.'

Speaking at a programme titled "Monone July" organised by the Department of Film and Television at Jagannath University on Wednesday (July 8), he said countries such as Syria, Libya and Yemen were plunged into civil war following anti-government uprisings, whereas Bangladesh has avoided a similar trajectory.

Dr Zahed said the July mass uprising was not an isolated incident but the culmination of years of political resistance, state repression and pro-democracy movements.

He noted that the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government was the result of sustained struggles by opposition political parties, families of victims of enforced disappearances, human rights activists and ordinary citizens.

"People continued their movement despite years of lawsuits, imprisonment, enforced disappearances, torture, land grabbing and loss of livelihoods. Those sacrifices laid the foundation for the July uprising," he said.

Addressing the post-uprising political landscape, he described the emergence of debate, division and frustration as a natural part of democratic transition.

He urged all stakeholders to remain realistic and work collectively toward building a democratic Bangladesh instead of being driven by excessive expectations.

Highlighting the objectives of the July movement, Dr Zahed said its core goal was to end authoritarian rule and restore the democratic rights of the people.

He stressed that the country's foremost responsibility now is to ensure the continuity of free and fair elections and establish a democratic system that prevents the return of authoritarianism.

The event was chaired by Prof Dr Shah Nistar Jahan Kabir, Chairman of the Department of Film and Television. Among others present were MP Anisur Rahman Khokon Talukder, Mayer Daak Coordinator Sanzida Islam Tuli, Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rais Uddin, and Treasurer Prof Dr Sabina Sharmin.