In the face of collective people’s power, the tools of state coercion such as police, law enforcement, curfews, propaganda, RAB, military, and Section 144 lose their effectiveness. When individuals unite with determination and take to the streets, these mechanisms crumble. This decisive moment, where fear fades and resistance becomes a unified force, defines a mass uprising.
Bangladesh has witnessed such pivotal moments in history, notably in 1952, 1969, 1971 (transforming into an armed Liberation War against the Pakistani forces’ genocide), and in 1990. Then came July 2024. In each instance, the resilience of ordinary citizens triumphed over oppressive regimes. However, these hopeful junctures have often been derailed or co-opted, either through internal betrayals or the inability to sustain the momentum.
The latest uprising led to the ousting of the Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024. Merely three days later, an interim government headed by Mohammad Yunus assumed power. Expectations were high. Nevertheless, as early as August 2 the prior year, during the onset of Drohojatra, I cautioned that removing Hasina and the Awami League wouldn’t automatically empower the people. The risk of reverting to old patterns loomed unless the entrenched structures of power and dominance were dismantled.
A year later, these apprehensions have materialized. The aspirations of a fresh start are fading. The interim administration has mirrored past regimes’ practices: stifling dissent, lacking transparency, engaging in clandestine dealings, and disregarding justice. Many active participants in the uprising—workers, women, students, the underprivileged, and minority groups—find themselves under renewed threats.
Individuals pivotal to the political shift are being silenced or marginalized. The first martyr under the current government, female laborer Champa Khatun, epitomizes the ordeal. Mass crackdowns on auto-rickshaws, village raids, and violence against protesters have ensued. The authorities justify these actions under the guise of “stability” and “order,” reminiscent of past regimes.
The unresolved mass killings of July 2024 await credible justice. Investigations are incomplete, many injured lack proper care, and thousands face harassment and intimidation from baseless charges. Extortion, fear of speaking out, and mob violence persist, perpetuating old injustices under a new guise.
Similar to the Hasina government, the current regime displays scant regard for democratic processes in policy decisions. The transfer of Chattogram Port to a foreign entity without transparent tenders, undisclosed LNG deals, and unexplained aircraft purchases exemplify this opacity. Whose interests do these decisions truly serve?
Despite public anti-domination rhetoric, key agreements with India remain intact, alongside burgeoning military ties with the US. Secrecy shrouds new pacts, sustaining subservience to global powers with superficial variations. Dependence on international bodies for policy formulation continues, perpetuating inequality, environmental degradation, corruption, and erosion of public rights.
This continuity with a new facade underscores the need for a protracted battle for justice, equality, and democracy. The state must be held accountable for the July massacre investigations, fabricated cases, and pervasive culture of impunity. Transparent public discourse is essential for pivotal long-term decisions, while protecting vulnerable groups from harassment both online and offline.
Addressing the corrupt nexus of money, power, and communalism in politics is crucial for democratic transformation. Reforms spanning electoral practices, institutional frameworks, and law enforcement are imperative to avoid mere superficial changes during elections.
Efforts to distort history must be resisted, particularly when exploiting the 1971 Liberation War for personal gain. These historical struggles, including the 2024 uprising, are interconnected episodes demanding vigilance to prevent recurring cycles of sacrifice and exploitation.
To foster a fairer, inclusive Bangladesh, societal discrimination along class, religion, ethnicity, and gender lines must be confronted directly. Until these disparities are tackled comprehensively, electoral reforms alone cannot secure genuine freedom.
Continued civic engagement is vital to thwart autocratic forces from resurging. The ongoing movement transcends national boundaries, resonating with global quests for justice and dignity. Upholding the momentum is paramount to safeguard the future and prevent the co-opting or dismantling of the people’s aspirations.
The journey continues.
Anu Muhammad, a former economics professor at Jahangirnagar University, shared these perspectives. The views expressed are solely the author’s own.