It is also time to critically analyze the successes and setbacks of this historic event as the July mass uprising anniversary approaches. The complexity of the popular rebellion and the events that followed in the nation over the past year make the work difficult and hard. Without a doubt, the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime on August 5 of last year was the most notable and effective accomplishment of the student-led campaign. That day marked Bangladesh’s comeback as a nation that openly proclaimed its independence and sovereignty. The authoritarian government methodically weakened the nation’s position as an independent state.
However, the enormous rebellion has raised people’s aspirations; thus, the collapse of the cruel rule is not the end of the story. Hasina’s downfall also marks a fresh start for a sustainable and balanced reconstruction of the nation, which would reduce socioeconomic inequality. It makes it possible to restore the right to free speech and turn back the tide of bigotry and hatred. The tyrant’s violent and deadly exit also offers a chance to rebuild democratic institutions for the benefit of the country as a whole. All of these are large tasks that cannot be finished quickly. Rather, it will need consistent work to achieve the same.
The country temporarily plunged into a state of wild turmoil following Hasina’s overthrow and flight to India. In the 36 days following the huge rebellion, the tyrant’s forces and goons killed at least 1,400 people and injured many more, so some degree of chaos had to be expected. The spirit of the mass uprising was also undermined by several unfavorable events that occurred during that period.
It is also generally known that during the 15 years of the tyrant, law enforcement agents intimidated many people, including leaders and activists of the ruling party, the Bangladesh Awami League, because of differences in their political stances. The chance to exact revenge was not wasted by many of the tortured. As a result, a number of Awami leaders and initiatives were attacked. However, many of the party’s top leaders fled to India. Thanks to the kindness of the Modi-led Indian administration, they are now remaining there after more than ten years of serving Indian interests.
Some anticipated that there would be minimal chaos or that things would naturally return to normal. It was a misunderstanding since the nation’s political change did not take place via the typical democratic channels. The despotic regime was forced to fall after a brutal mass rebellion that lasted more than a month and saw the release of ten years of justified rage and disillusionment.
Following that, the Yunus-led temporary government assumed control and was tasked with two urgent tasks: reestablishing peace and order and correcting economic mismanagement. Law and order remain a major worry in the nation despite numerous attempts. However, there has been a slight improvement in economic management, and further advancement is anticipated. However, it is disheartening that the tyrannical regime’s legacy is still being carried out in certain vital sectors, including transportation, health care, and education, because the interim administration failed to effectively intervene. The overly ambitious move of comprehensive reforms will require time rather than implementing the necessary steps to make some urgent corrections. The nation still hasn’t adjusted to the transition and returned to normal.
Therefore, the July uprising’s ultimate success will rely on both the seamless transition to a democratic process and the successful and long-lasting redress of socioeconomic disparities. There are many obstacles along the lengthy path, and there is no quick or simple way to get there. As a result, the battle must go on.
