Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur rose to national prominence as the leader of the 2018 quota reform movement. Following this, he was elected vice president (VP) of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu). He is the founding president of the Gono Odhikar Parishad and has been jailed multiple times under the Awami League regime. In an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune’s Tanvir Hasan, Nur shares his thoughts on the uprising that ousted the Sheikh Hasina-led government and the current political landscape
Dhaka Tribune: Your party recently received registration from the Election Commission (EC). How do you feel about this?
Nur: The EC did not grant us registration during the previous regime despite fulfilling all three conditions, which was an injustice. As the situation changed, we reapplied, and it was said that the previous government had pressured the commission through intelligence agencies to block our registration. However, before the end of their term, this commission did a good deed by granting us registration. Now, we feel somewhat relieved and happy that our party has been registered.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming elections? When do you think it will take place?
I don’t see any possibility of elections happening soon. Most political parties, along with the student movement, want the current interim government to bring about some fundamental changes in the state before organizing elections. These reforms include full independence of the judiciary, reforming the administration and police, reconstituting the EC, and outlining how the interim government will operate. These are key responsibilities of this government. There needs to be a dialogue with political parties to determine whether there will be an interim government or elections under the EC. If the current government reaches a consensus with the political parties, a framework will have to be provided. These tasks could take at least one to two years, so the elections will be delayed. We see a public desire for the removal of old political burdens and the emergence of new leadership. In 2018, we gained recognition through the quota reform movement, then the 2019 Ducsu elections, and in 2021, we formed our political party. I can say that our party, Gono Odhikar Parishad, represents the new generation. The political environment will determine whether we contest the next election independently or as part of an alliance.
After leaving your party, Nahid-Asif played significant roles in the movement to bring down Sheikh Hasina’s government. What is your view on this?
In politics, relationships with fellow leaders can improve or deteriorate. Differences of opinion are natural, but there is no finality in politics. Those who led the movement to bring down Sheikh Hasina’s government were largely connected to the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad. I believe that the public's desire for a new political party, a new country, and a new Constitution are something we are working on together. We worked with them in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future for the country and the nation.
A new citizens committee has been formed recently. What are your thoughts on this?
Many of the leaders of the movement are now seeking to create a separate platform to monitor the government's work and keep an eye on what political parties are doing. If this is their goal, I view it positively. I expect them to keep a sharp watch on political parties and the government. In Bangladesh, every 18 to 20 years, a major change occurs. From 1952 to 1971, then 1990, 2007, and now 2024. People have repeatedly shed blood on the streets but have not achieved their goals. Young people today say they will stay in the field until a fair political system returns. This doesn’t mean they are forming a new political party. They can continue their work, and we applaud them. If they eventually form a political party and wish to work with us, we will welcome them since we are a registered political party. A significant new political force will emerge in the future.
There is an allegation that foreign intelligence agencies are behind this movement. If this is true, do you think it poses a threat to the country?
I can guarantee 100% that this is entirely false. This is the people's revolution, and there is no foreign involvement. For the past decade and a half, there has been no democracy in Bangladesh, and Western countries have repeatedly protested, but the Sheikh Hasina government has ignored them. If anyone claims that foreign powers were behind the movement, it would be an insult to the students and people of this country. Such a movement has never occurred before, where people were shot from helicopters, yet the students bravely stood up against the government. In the final moments, conscientious officials from the administration and the military sided with the students. This revolution is entirely by the people of this country, and if anyone says otherwise, it will be a disservice to their struggle.
What do you think is causing the growing anti-Indian sentiment among the Bangladeshi people?
India’s support during the Liberation War was exceptional, and such examples are rare in history. A friendly relationship established at that time has now shifted to dominance by the Indian government. The people have noticed this, and as a result, anti-Indian sentiment has grown. Since independence, we’ve seen the Bangladeshi people protesting against Indian aggression. The Awami League government has been implementing India’s agenda for the past 15 years, which has led to public outrage. India wants to become a superpower in Asia, but they need to be more generous in their attitude. It’s crucial for both countries to maintain good relations, but it’s even more important for India. I urge the Indian government to create a positive relationship with us.
Is it necessary to ban Awami League at this moment?
The Awami League must be held accountable for the massacres committed during their rule, and those involved should face the death penalty to set an example. Organizations like the Chhatra League and Jubo League should be internationally recognized as terrorist organizations. Only then will Bangladesh stand as an example to the world. If we don’t do this now, future governments may also turn authoritarian. Banning the Awami League is necessary to restore democracy, and those responsible for crimes must be tried. If we make the same mistakes as before, future generations will have to pay the price.
Recently, top criminals have been released without due legal process. Do you see this as a threat to the country?
We support the student-led government. However, they don’t have a political backup, so they’re making mistakes. Releasing notorious criminals on political grounds is unacceptable. Similarly, detaining individuals without legal justification is not acceptable. Every person should be tried according to the law. While we’re seeing some extreme political activities reminiscent of the Awami League and Chhatra League, we call on the students to remain united against these forces, and the administration should take swift action.
Do you think the current Constitution should be scrapped or reformed?
The current Constitution has been amended 17 times and has been criticized as anti-people. I believe a new Constitution should be drafted after a revolution, one that promotes national unity and solidarity. We need to involve political activists, civil society, media personnel, students, and teachers in drafting a new Constitution.
Where do you see Bangladesh in the next 10 years?
In 10 years, I envision Bangladesh as a civil, democratic state like Europe or the United States, where citizens enjoy their freedoms, a free press thrives, and law enforcers do not harass anyone unnecessarily. We want a corruption-free welfare state where we are economically and socially secure.
