Winter brings political heat

Winter is gradually setting in. The meteorological department has forecast several cold waves this month. While winter might be enjoyable for the middle and upper classes, it is far from comfortable for the poor and working-class people. The lack of adequate warm clothing leaves them shivering in the cold. For the elderly and those with health issues, winter is an alarming season. They yearn for warmth and warm clothing, but no one seems to guarantee these basic necessities.

Amid the chill of winter, political tensions have begun to heat up. The young leaders who spearheaded the 2024 mass uprising are now gearing up to form a new political party. On the last day of the year, the anti-inequality student movement announced their intention to publish the “Declaration of the July Revolution” at the Central Shaheed Minar. Gathering hundreds of thousands of students and citizens, the leaders planned to denounce the 1972 Constitution as the "Mujibist Constitution" and metaphorically “bury” it. They also declared the dethroned Awami League irrelevant. Following these announcements, public debate, criticism, and widespread anxiety swept across the nation.

The program immediately faced sharp objections from BNP, one of the country’s major political parties. Several leftist groups that had supported the uprising also expressed their disapproval. Other influential and power-controlling groups, apart from a few Islamist parties like Jamaat-e-Islami, adopted negative stances toward the student leaders’ demands.

Pressure began to mount on the interim government, accused by many of supporting the anti-inequality student movement. Initially, the government distanced itself, claiming it had no connection to the “July Declaration.” However, in a sudden turn of events on December 30 at 9 PM, the government’s press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, held an emergency press conference. He announced that the government would initiate the drafting of a proclamation for the July Uprising based on national consensus. This declaration would aim to uphold the unity of the people, anti-fascist sentiment, and aspirations for state reform fostered by the uprising. Opinions from all stakeholders, including the student movement, political parties, and participants in the uprising, would be considered in preparing the proclamation.

This announcement shifted the narrative dramatically. Questions arose as to why the government had taken over the program initially planned by the anti-inequality student movement. Many believe that the student leaders, buoyed by the success of the mass uprising, did not anticipate the unexpected backlash from the December 31 decision. To avoid potential clashes with the students, the government appeared to be offering them a “safe exit.”

This government intervention caused friction within the student movement. After multiple meetings, they replaced the original proclamation with a program titled “March for Unity.” However, the turnout for this revised program fell short of expectations.

The student movement’s growing assertiveness is drawing criticism. Their claim to ownership of the mass uprising and their policymaking tone have provoked strong reactions, particularly from BNP. BNP leaders have recently voiced open criticism of the student movement, accusing them of creating chaos to oust not only the Awami League but also the BNP itself. The demand to abolish the Constitution has been a major point of contention.

BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury recently delivered a scathing critique, accusing the student movement of attempting to hijack the ownership of the uprising. Speaking at an event in Chattogram, he said, “This movement belongs to the 18 crore people of Bangladesh. The interim government’s sole responsibility is to ensure a peaceful transition of power to an elected parliament. Any reforms must be made by the next elected parliament.”

Tensions between BNP, the anti-inequality student movement, and even Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami are escalating. BNP leaders have expressed concerns that, unlike during the Awami League's tenure, when opposition forces united against the ruling party, BNP now finds itself facing opposition from multiple fronts.

The political future depends largely on whether the student movement opts for direct confrontation or seeks compromise with BNP. The “March for Unity” program was a demonstration of the movement’s potential political clout. With committees established in various districts, the movement appears to be positioning itself as a new political force.

As winter deepens, the political heat continues to rise. The public hopes for a peaceful resolution, fearing that aggressive actions could complicate an already delicate situation. Politics, like baking bread, requires just the right amount of heat; too much, and it burns. Leaders must balance their rhetoric and actions carefully to avoid alienating the people.

Both sides need foresight and restraint to address growing frustrations. History shows that success comes through patience and continuity, not shortcuts. Only through consistent and thoughtful efforts can a path to stability and peace be forged. Otherwise, the past may repeat itself with little progress to show.

Author: Columnist