Prominent figures in politics and policymaking have emphasized the significant role of youth in driving change as reforms progress in Bangladesh following the July-August movement.
During a seminar, they addressed the high expectations placed on the interim government and the challenges of managing them, particularly after the political upheavals. The panelists also agreed on the need for a systemic reform.
The Dhaka Tribune, with support from the Norwegian Embassy, organized the seminar titled "The New Bangladesh: Achievements, Challenges, and the Path Ahead" on December 8 at the Six Seasons Hotel.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Acting General Secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council Manindra Kumar Nath, eminent human rights activist and Coordinator of Nijera Kori Khushi Kabir, International Affairs Secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Barrister Rumeen Farhana, Joint Member Secretary of Amar Bangladesh Party Barrister Fuaad Abdullah, coordinator at East West University unit of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Nazifa Jannat and a participant of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Eidul Foysal were the panelists.
Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan moderated the seminar while Ambassador of Norway H.E. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen delivered the welcome remarks. Eminent economist Prof Rehman Sobhan, chairman of CPD, also spoke as an eminent guest.
The press secretary described the July-August movement as a "seismic shift" in Bangladesh, highlighting the youth leaders as the "smartest and most talented" in the country’s history.
He emphasized the need for a political settlement, similar to the efforts of
America's founding fathers.
Regarding the smooth transition, he praised the responsible actions of political leaders to minimize bloodshed after August 5, stressing that significant violence would hinder reconciliation.
The major challenge of the government is “obviously high expectation” while the main achievement of this government is “a smooth transition”. “It’s like a smooth landing of a plane caught in turbulent weather,” Shafiqul Alam said.
On economic reforms, he noted the stabilization of the banking system and a focus on attracting global investment.
The reform commissions are expected to submit reports by December 31, with consultations to follow.
He acknowledged public dissatisfaction and protests as a sign of high expectations but criticized the misinformation campaign, particularly from Indian media, and invited international journalists to visit Bangladesh for a clearer perspective.
Khushi Kabir emphasized the importance of opposition and accountability to prevent dictatorship, corruption, and human rights violations. She discusses public expectations for the current government, which is seen as capable of making decisions for the country's benefit.
She praised the establishment of 10 commissions but calls for transparency and accessibility of their reports.
She highlighted concerns about police corruption, mass arrests, and the public fear of speaking out.
She also stressed the need for an inclusive Bangladesh, where justice is perceived as being done, and urges the government to protect citizens from human rights violations, including those related to gender and freedom of expression.
Manindra Kumar Nath advocated for the inclusion of minority communities in Bangladesh, aiming for equal rights, participation, and representation.
Since 1947, the minority population has dwindled from 30% to 9% in 2020. He hoped that the recent political changes would address past discrimination and
injustice.
However, he expressed disappointment over ongoing issues, including killings, arson, and temple burnings, with over 2000 incidents reported.
He urged the government to prioritize anti-discrimination and fully include minorities in Bangladesh's future, aligning with the vision of a united, inclusive nation.
Rumeen Farhana argued that elections alone cannot solve Bangladesh's crisis, as the system has failed to create equal opportunities for all.
She emphasized the need for systemic change, where policies apply equally to everyone, rather than the current "pick and choose" approach.
She highlighted the sacrifices made in 1971 and 2024 and stressed the importance of creating a new Bangladesh where individuals are judged based on merit and ability.
While elections are important, they must allow for equal participation and a level playing field. She also called for a change in the system to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Fuaad Abdullah highlighted key achievements of the “monsoon uprising”, including a paradigm shift toward a new republic, increased participation of women in protests, and the youth emerging as decisive factors.
He emphasized the challenge of managing high expectations from the interim administration, dealing with misinformation, and uniting pro-democracy forces.
Regarding minority persecution, Fuaad acknowledged incidents but disputed the claim of widespread, systematic violence, suggesting some reports are exaggerated or politically motivated.
He advocated for a Minority Commission to address the deprivation and fears of all ethnic groups, not only the Hindu community.
Nazifa Jannat reflected on the January 2024 elections, feeling frustration over the
autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina and the lack of reaction from the public.
Despite facing repression and a depoliticized youth, the July-August mass uprising sparked hope for a new political vision, with youth leading the charge for change, she said.
She highlighted the achievement of collective strength in the movement and the growing interest in political reform.
However, challenges remain, such as inadequate execution of plans, economic struggles, and continued violence against those demanding their rights.
She advocated for a political system where leadership, honesty, and human dignity are prioritized, and women are not marginalized. She calls for accountability, ensuring that no more lives are lost to political violence.
Eidul Foysal highlighted the unity achieved during the July-August mass uprising, where people from diverse backgrounds united against the oppressive government, fighting for a society with basic rights and peaceful coexistence.
He recalled the sacrifices, including women losing their eyes to protect other protesters. Post-uprising, he said, youth have become more politically aware. However, unity is weakening, and there is a need for mass dialogue with the government to address societal issues, he said.
He also called for a change in political culture, where everyone can freely express opinions, and emphasizes the importance of equality, human dignity, and justice as outlined in the Constitution.
Rehman Sobhan emphasized that student activism is temporary, and once students transition into politics, they must focus on clear policy agendas.
“Students only have a limited shelf life. You are a student today. Three or four years from now you will not be a student. You will be like anyone else. What you can at best do is to use the political role that you have played and the way in which you have brought about the new changes, use this as a base for initiating your own political program,” he said.
He, however, highlighted the challenges of political movements, referencing the
Assam example, where a student movement turned into a government but lost its identity and became like any other political party.
He stressed that reforms in Pakistan and Bangladesh often fail due to poor implementation and conflicting political agendas.
He also commended Prof Yunus for his efforts but warned that his ability to meet expectations is limited. The success of any political transition depends on how inclusivity, particularly with the opposition, is handled, he said.
The ambassador of Norway said almost every nation in the world has in their history some make or break moments.
“Bangladesh is probably passing through one such now and I'm hoping the key stakeholders in Bangladesh, some representatives of whom are present here both in the seminar and in the audience, will steer the country towards the right direction collectively,” he said.
The ambassador emphasized Norway’s commitment to values like democracy, human rights, equality, and the rule of law, and its belief in resolving conflicts through dialogue, a principle often referred to as the "brand Norway."
H.E. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen
Ambassador of Norway in BangladeshNorway has always been a good and old friend of Bangladesh and will remain so in the coming years to support Bangladesh in its onward journey. Our relationship has been elevated from development partnership to business and investments. However, Norway still contributes to Bangladesh development through the UN system and also with some embassies run projects.
Prof Rehman Sobhan
Eminent economistI think it is very commendable that Yunus has carried the reform plan forward and is putting many ideas on the table. However, the real problem in the history of both Pakistan and Bangladesh was not necessarily that the constitutions, policies, or laws were wrong; the problem was implementation.
Shafiqul Alam
Chief Adviser’s Press SecretaryThe youth are now discussing a different political settlement, and the biggest challenge for the interim government is to facilitate that change—creating a political settlement that is durable, much like what Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton achieved in the late 18th century for America.
Barrister Rumeen Farhana
International Affairs Secretary of BNPAs long as we cannot change the entire system, create equal opportunities for all, or implement a policy that applies equally to everyone—while continuing to adhere to a 'pick and choose' approach—true change will not be possible, regardless of the type of change we are discussing.
Khushi Kabir
Eminent human rights activistIf there is no opposition, there is no accountability. If there’s no accountability, it can lead to dictatorship and autocracy. This results, you know, in a small group taking all the benefits, widespread corruption, human rights violations—issues you mentioned—economic breakdown, and a deteriorating law and order situation.
Barrister Fuaad Abdullah
Joint Member Secretary of Amar Bangladesh PartySadly, over the last 53 years, we have witnessed elders deciding the fate of the youth, despite having no connection with them. This is the first time in history that the youth are the deciding factor of the republic. These are truly significant, paradigm-shifting changes and achievements.
Manindra Kumar Nath
Acting General Secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity CouncilAnti-discrimination must be at the heart and center of the new Bangladesh we envision. This includes ensuring there is no discrimination based on communalism, as well as safeguarding the rights and well-being of minority communities. The protection and empowerment of these communities should be the core agenda of the government.
Nazifa Jannat
Coordinator at East West University unit of Anti-Discrimination Student MovementI would say that the existing political parties are not so smart to represent the vision of youths because we can't match with their thought pattern. We need an alternative party that can carry the vision of youth. So, this is the chance for us to make an alternative.
Eidul Foysal
A participant of Anti-Discrimination Student MovementWe were united against Hasina. Now there are many opinions, paths. It’s normal. The challenge is the whole system was destroyed by the fascist regime. It needs time to reform it. How can we do it? We can do it through mass dialogue. I suggest that there should be mass dialogue.
