Bangladesh has seen its democratic reputation severely tarnished over the last sixteen years, as voting rights have been stripped away and three consecutive rigged elections could not be recognised as free, fair, and transparent. Under Sheikh Hasina's totalitarian regime, all key government bodies — including the Election Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, the Judiciary, and the Police — have been systematically vitiated, leaving the public with no trust in these institutions.
Public anger, outrage, and hatred towards the ruling class intensified during the quota reform and non-cooperation movements, which gained momentum following Sheikh Hasina's departure. According to our constitution, the people are the source of all power, but our previous unelected government consistently denied the people's rights, focusing instead on entrenching their autocracy. The most heinous consequence of this dictatorship is the erosion of democratic institutions. The regime's use of the Cyber Security Act and other measures to suppress opposition voices has created an environment where arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings became the norm.
Democracy is more than just a system of government; it is a culture, an ideology, and a tradition --- all of which ensure that the laws, policies, leadership, and major decisions of a state are determined by a group of people elected through free, transparent, and competitive elections. Now following a massive student-mass uprising, an interim government has been temporarily formed to put the country on the right track. As part of this effort, Dr. Mohammad Yunus has been appointed as Chief Adviser of this interim government during a critical juncture marked by widespread violence, vandalism, chaos, and disorder.
Additionally, our fragile economy, already threatened by internal unrest and rising inflation, poses a significant challenge to the interim government's efforts to establish the rule of law and create a balanced economic state. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people," and this principle must be upheld, for which our forefathers have sacrificed their lives.
It is encouraging to see the Bangladesh Army, Ansar Battalion, and students working together to bring order to the streets, with citizens willingly protecting their neighborhoods from miscreants, reaffirming that this is our country. However, it is deeply saddening that attacks on the homes and places of worship of minorities continue. It is crucial that everyone remains vigilant to address this growing threat.
Md Sajidul Islam
Student, University of Dhaka
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