Critique the leadership tenure of Sheikh Hasina for over 15 years based on factual evidence rather than belittling the historical significance of our liberation struggle, a moment of immense sacrifice and pride. The spirit of our Muktijuddho is deeply ingrained in our collective memory and should be honored by authentic history, not manipulated narratives that won’t endure over time.
The July Declaration aimed to shape Bangladesh’s future in alignment with the core values of the uprising. It was meant to outline a path towards achieving the nation’s aspirations that were hindered by past oppressive regimes.
While various political parties may have divergent views, the interim government’s stance should be rooted in legitimacy. However, what was presented by Prof Yunus as the chief adviser, intended for constitutional inclusion, appears to selectively highlight elements of our past.
The Declaration briefly encapsulates our struggle for independence against colonial and authoritarian Pakistani rule, emphasizing the sacrifices made to establish a liberal democratic state based on equality, human dignity, and social justice.
Notably absent from the Declaration are references to pivotal events like the Language Movement, the 1970 election that legitimized our leadership, and the atrocities committed by the Pakistan army leading to the Liberation War.
The omission of crucial aspects such as the genocide, refugee crisis, the role of Mukti Bahini, and the widespread human rights violations during the conflict raises questions about the historical accuracy and completeness of the document presented by Prof Yunus.
The document’s focus on governance, elections, rule of law, and environmental sustainability lacks specificity on critical issues like education, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and women’s rights. The absence of a clear direction for the youth, who played a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s future, is also notable.
While critical of Sheikh Hasina’s regime for alleged autocratic practices and human rights violations, the Declaration fails to acknowledge the country’s progress from a Least Developed Country to a middle-income status under her leadership.
Moving forward, the emphasis should shift towards outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the future, building on the promises of the July Uprising, and focusing on education, innovation, productivity, and efficient resource utilization to propel Bangladesh into a competitive global landscape.
It is essential to learn from past mistakes of distorting history for political agendas and prioritize building a future based on trust, credibility, and authenticity. Embracing a balanced approach between honoring our past and envisioning a progressive future will be crucial for Bangladesh’s development in the evolving world dynamics.