Bangladesh is still grappling with the traumatic events of July/August 2024. Yet, from this turbulence, a revolutionary idea has emerged, one that has captured the hearts and minds of youth across the globe. The “Bangla Spring,” also known as the “Monsoon Revolution,” successfully dismantled a tyrannical regime that held power for over 15 years through brutality and corruption. This revolution marks the beginning of a new dawn for Bangladesh -- a moment to reshape our future by strengthening the foundational structures of the state.
Unravelling the core cause of the revolution
What catalyzed the joint student-public uprising against the BAL government? Was it simply a protest to abolish or restructure the quota system? Absolutely not. To think so would be a grave misunderstanding of the deeper undercurrents. Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule was a manifestation of unchecked tyranny -- a collective of all that is evil in governance. In many ways, she was the personification of malevolence. Her collaborators, intoxicated by the aphrodisiac of power, became indifferent to the suffering they inflicted upon the people.
Our youth, united with the broader populace, have not only toppled Hasina’s rule but have also severely crippled every symbol and vestige of her regime, including her party and its historical legacy. This moment presents a glorious opportunity to forge a new future, and we must rise to the occasion with all our strength, intellect, and vision. Bengalis are often described as overly emotional and politicized, and rightly so -- these traits have driven us to make history that others now seek to emulate. Bangladeshis are survivors, instinctively uniting in the face of adversity, whether natural or manmade. These are our unassailable strengths.
Support and patience for the interim government
In these critical times, I urge our people not to place undue pressure on the interim government before it has had the opportunity to stabilize. While there are murmurs of concern about the government’s inexperience, especially the student representatives, it is vital to remember that they need time to adjust and operate effectively. There are still dark clouds looming over our nation, and in this delicate situation, the government needs our unwavering support. This is a God-given opportunity to remodel our nation; if we squander it, we risk being consigned to the darkest chapters of history.
Navigating the geopolitical landscape
Bangladesh occupies a unique geopolitical position as a Muslim-majority land surrounded by non-Muslim countries. In this context, we must craft a foreign policy that safeguards our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The Rohingya crisis, where Myanmar expelled minorities into Bangladesh, underscores the latent racism and xenophobia that still exist in our region.
In 1996, Bill Richardson, then US Energy Secretary, and a close friend of President Clinton, praised Bangladesh as a role model where Islam, democracy, and secularism coexist harmoniously. This is a legacy we should cherish and strive to preserve.
As a freedom fighter who sacrificed a leg in the battle for securing our independence, I remind you that 1971 offered a similar opportunity to reshape our nation -- an opportunity we squandered by falling into the trap of traditional statecraft
Current and emerging threats
- Ensuring security: The personal security of the Chief Adviser and his colleagues is paramount and must not be compromised under any circumstances.
- Internal subversion: Despite the revolution, there remain Hasina loyalists embedded within our forces, biding their time. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has shown exemplary patriotism, earning him the status of a national hero, but his challenges are far from over.
- Presidential power: As per the Constitution, the president is the supreme commander of the armed forces. Given his political background, one cannot ignore the potential risks should an untoward incident arise.
- Harnessing patriotism: The current surge in patriotism and nationalism must be harnessed to protect our sovereignty and independence. We are already hearing threats of invasion -- these cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric. While they may be just sound bites, we must remain alert for any eventuality.
Key recommendations
- Preparing our youths for national leadership: In order to prepare our youth for future leadership they should be put under a limited military training program. This will not only prepare them for any national emergencies but also instill a deeper sense of patriotism and responsibility.
- Revamping foreign policy: Our foreign policy must be recalibrated to address the challenges of the post-revolution era. The new adviser at the Foreign Ministry, Tauhid Hossain, a former foreign secretary, is a seasoned diplomat with decades of experience. He has handled the evolving situation with composure and deftness. However, we must ensure that the right people are placed in the right positions.
- Recovering illicit wealth: A crucial task for the new government is the recovery of the vast sums of money laundered abroad by Hasina’s cabal, cronies, and oligarchs. Dr Yunus, with his unparalleled global respect and popularity, is ideally suited to lead this effort. His outreach to world leaders, UN agencies, and international bodies could yield significant results, providing a much-needed boost to the government’s image and a shot in the arm of the national economy.
Final advice to the liberators of 2024
As a freedom fighter who sacrificed a leg in the battle for securing our independence, I remind you that 1971 offered a similar opportunity to reshape our nation -- an opportunity we squandered by falling into the trap of traditional statecraft.
Do not repeat our mistakes. Remain vigilant and never complacent. The future of Bangladesh is in your hands, and the choices you make now will determine the trajectory of our nation for generations.
Ashraf ud Doula is a freedom fighter, a former Secretary to the Government, and has served as Ambassador to several countries.
