Students, people and political parties should take preparations and remain vigilant to thwart any kinds of conspiracy to overthrow the current interim government as Bangladesh is still at a critical juncture after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India.
Ali Riaz, political scientist and distinguished professor at Illinois State University, has made the suggestion at a webinar on Monday.
He also urged the government to immediately bring to book the culprits, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who were involved in the genocide of the students during their movement for quota reforms.
"It is essential for this government to file case against Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity," he said, suggesting that if necessary, the matter could be taken to the International Criminal Court.
He has further suggested that action should also be taken against Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Law Minister Anisul Huq for issuing d orders for the killings.
The Forum for Bangladesh Studies, titled "Bangladesh after the Popular Uprising: What Needs to Be Done Now" arranged the webinar on Monday.
The speakers at the event called for reforms in constitutional institutions, including the parliament and the judiciary.
Over the past 15 years, an unbearable situation has developed in the country. All structures have collapsed. To realise the aspirations of the people uprising and to eliminate the debris of the past 15 years, far-reaching constitutional and administrative reforms are now urgently needed. Political parties must also embrace public aspirations, according to them.
They also urged the government to give a deadline for the next national election as early as possible.
Speaking the event, Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) secretary Badiul Alam Majumder said that an unbearable situation had developed in the country, which led to the popular uprising.
The interim government has come as a crisis management government to deliver the country from this situation, he said, adding that two key messages have emerged from the movement.
First, those who have committed injustices and crimes against humanity must be brought to justice through proper investigation. Second, to prevent a recurrence of such a situation, far-reaching reforms must be undertaken, including constitutional and institutional reforms. These reforms are both time-consuming and urgent.
Majumdar also mentioned that a political settlement is necessary to carry out these reforms. Some reforms will need to be implemented later by those who come to power through elections. A national charter must be formulated through dialogue and agreements with political parties.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman stated that there have been multiple incidents of human rights violations, and those responsible must be held accountable, with justice ensured.
He emphasised that the United Nations' assistance might be necessary in this regard. He also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of speech, press freedom, and the right to information, while calling for the repeal of all repressive laws.
Mirza M. Hassan, the head of the Governance and Politics Cluster of BIGD at BRAC University, said the current demands for institutional reforms are based on the groundwork laid in 2007-08.
However, much of that was later erased or undone, he said.
"Now, efforts must be made to re-establish the relationship between the state and society on a new foundation. We need to rethink democracy from a fresh perspective," he said.
Journalist Monir Haider moderated the event while Foyez Ahmad Tayyab, a writer specialising in sustainable development, presented the keynote paper.
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