Interim govt must define several immediate responsibilities

In January 2007, Bangladesh entered a dark era that gradually engulfed the entire nation. This darkness permeated every aspect of national life, bringing an overwhelming sense of despair. Corruption, nepotism, looting, murder, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, food adulteration, and the uncontrolled rise in commodity prices paralyzed society, plunging the country and its people into deep distress.

The Middle Ages in Europe were called the "Dark Ages" due to the extreme exploitation, oppression, and tyranny of the ruling clergy. This period was marked by untold suffering for the common people. However, in the fifteenth century, with the advent of the Renaissance in 1453, followed by the Reformation movement, humanity found a path to liberation. This marked the end of the Dark Ages and the beginning of the modern era. The Renaissance heralded human emancipation, empowering people with intellect, labor, and resilience. Through successive revolutions, European society and civilization progressed towards development.

However, in Bangladesh, the ruling elite has exploited, oppressed, and looted national resources through corruption, stock market manipulation, quick rental power projects, and other means. This has left the people in unbearable and indescribable misery.

Having moved past the ages of fascism, monarchy, dictatorship, and aristocracy, we have entered the era of democracy. The people of the world now celebrate freedom and equality, making independence a cherished ideal. That is why I have always said that the greatest and most glorious chapter in a nation's history is its struggle for independence. For the Bengali nation of Bangladesh, its most outstanding achievement is its independence, secured through the great Liberation War. Our independence was won through immense sacrifice, suffering, and bloodshed, making it our most prized possession.

After achieving independence through a bloody war in 1971, it was naturally expected that Bangladesh would emerge as a shining example of democracy and equality on the global stage. However, history has cruelly denied us that long-cherished dream, pushing us into an unknown darkness. One of the primary reasons for this unexpected setback is the absence of democracy. It is crucial to emphasize that democracy is the most vital vehicle for development and rights; its absence or distortion stifles all avenues for true liberation.

History has repeatedly demonstrated the ruthless and brutal consequences of fascism. Dictators like Hitler and Mussolini met their inevitable downfall, their arrogance and unchecked power ultimately discarded into the dustbin of history. Yet, many fascist rulers fail to learn from these historical lessons.

Regrettably, contemporary fascist rulers still revel in their unrestrained power, driven by arrogance and unchecked control. Over the past fifteen years, Bangladesh has witnessed the resurgence of fascism’s ghostly specter. This ruthless and vile fascism has suffocated our nation, undermining its independence, sovereignty, and the fundamental needs of its people, ultimately strangling democracy. During this period, democracy has been buried, and people's rights have been systematically stripped away. One of the primary tools of this oppression has been electoral fraud.

The illegal seizure of state power and its subsequent consolidation were accompanied by abductions, murders, extrajudicial detentions, indiscriminate arrests, and state-sponsored terror. Human rights were trampled upon without restraint. Simultaneously, the unchecked plundering of national wealth continued, with vast sums looted and smuggled abroad, amassing immense fortunes at the expense of the people.

In this suffocating atmosphere of democratic deprivation, any voice of protest was brutally silenced. However, history teaches us that no oppression lasts forever. Like the freedom-loving people worldwide, the youth, students, and citizens of Bangladesh rose against tyranny, launching a mass movement to reclaim their rights. Political parties, intellectuals, labor unions, students, and civil society joined hands in this democratic struggle.

The tyranny of Sheikh Hasina’s rule is well known. Every aspect of governance—economy, politics, and society—was consumed by her aggressive authoritarianism. Many notorious dictators pale in comparison to her “achievements.” With all the tools of fascism at her disposal, she tightened her grip on power. But history has laughed at her inevitable downfall.

In July and early August of 2024, an unprecedented mass movement of students and citizens turned my earlier predictions into reality. I had long stated that only a people’s revolution could bring down Hasina’s tyranny. I also firmly believed that the awakening of the young generation would spark a new Renaissance, leading to a fresh wave of democratic activism.

Standing at the historic moment of victory for this anti-tyranny movement, I can say from my experience that this uprising was unique in both nature and significance. The people of Bangladesh have ignited a new Renaissance—one distinct from Europe's historical movement. This Renaissance is not merely an intellectual revival but a movement dedicated to national liberation, justice, and democratic transformation. It is a collective pledge against fascism and an awakening that will drive our nation toward genuine democracy.

A crucial moment of this movement is the appointment of Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head of the interim government. Nobel laureate Professor Yunus is celebrated globally for his contributions to peace, solidarity, and development. His Nobel Peace Prize recognizes his relentless efforts to create a poverty-free society and foster sustainable social progress. As a citizen of this country, I take immense pride in this achievement.

Dr. Yunus’s innovative concept of social business has been adopted worldwide, improving the lives of countless people. The Grameen Bank model has played a crucial role in poverty alleviation across several nations, and his "Three Zeros" concept aims to eradicate hunger and poverty while ensuring environmental sustainability.

However, the interim government must navigate a difficult path. Restoring a stable and orderly government system is the most urgent priority. While rebuilding democratic institutions will take time, maintaining internal peace and stability must be the immediate focus. Some unfortunate incidents following the fall of tyranny have been deeply troubling, and their recurrence could tarnish this historic achievement. The interim government must undertake several critical responsibilities, including restoring law and order promptly to bring normalcy back to national life, investigating and prosecuting all killings that took place in July and August, ensuring justice for all recent crimes, including murder, looting, and violence. The absence of justice and accountability could drive the nation into anarchy and render the state dysfunctional, avoiding unnecessary administrative overhauls unless absolutely necessary, as abrupt changes could weaken governance. Any removals or appointments must be handled with discretion, eradicating corruption in all forms. The rampant corruption of the past fifteen years has crippled Bangladesh’s economy, rebuilding democratic institutions and processes to reverse the widespread anti-democratic practices that have penetrated every sector of society. Without a robust democratic foundation, this people's revolution will not succeed, reviving the education system. Years of authoritarian rule have decimated education in Bangladesh. A healthy academic environment must be restored alongside a universally accessible, people-centered education policy.

These responsibilities require time, goodwill, planning, and dedication. I have full confidence that under the leadership of Dr. Yunus, the interim government will effectively implement these measures. This government must act swiftly and sincerely to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of the people.

Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury: Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka & Former Ambassador, Government of Bangladesh.