As the country marks the one-year anniversary of the significant events of August 5 that brought an end to the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, concerns persist about ongoing issues of corruption, authoritarianism, and exclusionary practices that have plagued the regime. While some progress has been made by the interim government, significant challenges remain in various aspects such as politics, the economy, and governance. It is important to note that the responsibility for these challenges cannot be solely attributed to the government, as political parties, civil platforms, media, citizens, and public officials have all played a role in contributing to the prevailing sense of disillusionment.
This disillusionment has been underscored in a recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), which assessed developments across key sectors to provide a stark evaluation of the first year following the uprising. The report emphasizes that systemic issues persist in politics, public administration, law enforcement, and reform efforts, with concerning continuities in crimes, corruption, and mismanagement.
TIB’s findings reveal that from August of last year to June of this year, 121 individuals lost their lives and 5,189 were injured in political confrontations, primarily involving the BNP. In July, a separate estimate indicated that 15 fatalities and 661 injuries resulted from political violence. Furthermore, since the uprising, political figures have capitalized on opportunities to maintain the same patterns of extortion and control that the Awami League was known for. A staggering amount of approximately Tk 2.21 crore is reportedly extorted daily from 53 terminals and stands in Dhaka alone. Political leaders and activists have also taken over leases of bridges, jetties, quarries, and marketplaces nationwide.
In the realm of politics, violence remains a pressing issue, with TIB reporting the aforementioned fatalities and injuries. The void left by the Awami League has been filled by political leaders across various sectors, perpetuating similar practices of extortion and dominance. Notably, many individuals have engaged in dubious activities, such as orchestrating mob violence and manipulating legal cases for personal gain. Despite proposed reform agendas, most political parties have fallen short in implementing internal democratic processes, and the politicization of public institutions persists.
Law enforcement agencies have also come under scrutiny for their ineffective handling of cases, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killings, and questionable responses to mob attacks. Various forms of criminal activities continue unchecked, and the justice system has failed to deliver on promises of reform, with political bias within the judiciary undermining public trust in the legal system.
Concerns within the administration include disorder, corruption, and conflicts of interest, with questionable practices in public recruitments and promotions. While 11 commissions were established, critical sectors like education have been neglected. State agencies such as DGFI, DB, NSI, and NTMC, historically associated with authoritarian control, have not undergone reform efforts. The reform process has been marred by ambiguity and lack of political determination, with even agreed-upon reforms receiving conditional support from certain political factions.
The current landscape raises apprehensions that the opportunity presented by the uprising to reshape Bangladesh could be squandered without careful consideration. Therefore, one year after the uprising, it is imperative for all stakeholders to engage in introspection and commit to enhanced efforts and improved practices.