A dialogue on Saturday brought together diverse voices from Bangladesh, all united in their demand that the new regime learns from the mistakes of its predecessors.
Speakers emphasised the crucial role of political leaders in resolving the country's ongoing political crisis, calling for a just and equitable society where justice is upheld and reforms are implemented for the public good.
Center for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the dialogue titled "The Lone Wolves of Freedom: Their Dreams and Reality" at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in the city.
The speakers stressed on the need for overcoming corruption, fear, and misinformation to create a more positive and inclusive environment.
They also stressed on the importance of civil society engagement in advocating for change and holding the government accountable.
Speaking at the dialogue Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, shared her harrowing experiences under the previous regime.
She highlighted the importance of justice and accountability, emphasising that a society where justice is served promptly is essential for true freedom.
Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of SHUJAN: Citizens for Good Governance and Head of the Electoral Reform Commission, cautioned against the dangers of divisive politics and the misuse of power.
He stressed the need for inclusion and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the ongoing movement.
Munira Khan, Board Member of the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) and President of the Fair Election Monitoring Alliance (FEMA), called for a transparent and accountable government that can fulfill the expectations of the people.
She urged the interim government to prioritise organising fair elections.
Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Bangladesh Representative of the Asia Foundation, emphasised the importance of civil society engagement in addressing the country's challenges.
He encouraged political leaders to come together to find solutions to the political crisis.
Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), called for a government composed of good people who can address corruption and social decay.
He urged the interim government to give itself a chance to prove its worth.
Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of the Center for Governance Studies (CGS), highlighted the destruction of institutions under the previous regime and the need for independent journalism.
He emphasised the importance of truth and transparency in overcoming the misinformation and rumors that have plagued the country.
Khadijatul Kubra, a Jagannath University student who was imprisoned for a long time for a facebook post, shared her personal experiences of injustice and the challenges she faced in seeking justice.
She called for accountability and compensation for victims of the previous regime.
Major (dismissed) Rezaul Karim, a political analyst, recounted his ordeal of being detained and tortured.
He emphasised the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
U Mimi Marma Mimi, Special Correspondent of IPNews BD, highlighted the ongoing injustices faced by her communities, particularly women, in Bangladesh.
She called for greater attention to these issues and an end to the discrimination and violence they suffer.
Nurul Haque Noor, President of the Gana Odhikar Parishad, emphasised the need for a balanced power structure and a bicameral parliament.
He criticised the lack of law enforcement and dialogue with political parties under the previous government.
Michael Chakma, an organiser of the United Peoples Democratic Front and a victim of a secret prison known as Aynaghar, shared his experience of being missing for five years.
He called for an end to military rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and a negotiated solution to the conflict.
Zonaid Saki, chief coordinator of the Gonosanghati Andolon, highlighted the dangers of fascism and the need for national consensus to build a democratic republic.
He emphasised the importance of preventing the resurgence of fascist forces and changing the system.
Kalpana Akhter, a labor union leader, highlighted the challenges faced by workers in Bangladesh.
She called for justice for labour leaders who have been persecuted and the recognition of workers' rights.
Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, a political analyst and teacher, emphasised the importance of speaking out against injustice and the dangers of fear.
He encouraged individuals to overcome their fears and stand up for their rights.
Masud Kamal, a senior journalist, emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and the need for open dialogue.
He called on the government to be receptive to criticism and to work towards addressing the needs of all citizens.
Rezaul Karim Roni, Editor of Joban, Mamun Abdullah, Liaison Committee Coordinator of the Student Movement Against Discrimination, Muktadir Rashid, journalist, Umama Fatima, Coordinator of the Student Movement Against Discrimination, Qadaruddin Shishir, fact checker, Didarul Islam Bhuiyan, member of the DSA Victims Network, among other also spoke at the event.
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