In a newly established office within a commercial building, a group of university students in Bangladesh is working towards redefining the nation's future. A few months prior, these students participated in a significant uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, who had held power for 15 years amid growing authoritarianism and corruption.
The students are now focused on leveraging this moment to foster a more democratic Bangladesh, advocating for free and fair elections, social justice, and protections against autocratic governance. Student organizer Arif Sohel emphasized the current fluidity of political power, expressing a desire for a stable and progressive nation.
Rebuilding Bangladesh poses a formidable challenge, given its history of violence and upheaval since its founding 53 years ago. The responsibility for this transformation lies with an interim government comprised of experienced technocrats and emerging student leaders, all navigating immense historical and contemporary pressures.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, previously suppressed, is calling for new elections within months, highlighting the urgency for reforms. Citizens continue to grapple with high inflation and ongoing protests in Dhaka, while tensions with India have escalated due to reported violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Despite the swift removal of the former regime, implementing significant reforms will require time and may not be feasible under current conditions. Mahfuj Alam, a key student adviser, noted the progress made since the initial governmental focus on law and order post-uprising.
The interim government is prioritizing immediate changes such as updating electoral regulations, while broader reforms—like enhancing women's political participation and job creation for the youthful population—will require more time to enact.
In a recent interview, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus stated that while he faces criticism for the pace of reforms, he believes the government retains public support. He is optimistic about the potential for what he describes as “Bangladesh 2.0,” though this vision may take years to realize.
Two notable figures overseeing reform efforts—Badiul Alam Majumdar and Ali Riaz—were appointed shortly before their commissions began work on overhauling the electoral system and the Constitution. These panels, lacking political party involvement, aim to propose significant changes by the end of December, focusing on reducing corruption and improving public administration.
Public engagement has been evident, with citizens expressing expectations for educational qualifications among political candidates. Transparency International Bangladesh’s Iftekhar Zaman is also working on strengthening the anti-corruption commission, recognizing the complexity of this challenge.
As relations between India and the new Bangladeshi government become strained, anti-India sentiments have surfaced, particularly following Ms. Hasina's departure to India. The interim government has requested her extradition, and accusations against Yunus have fueled public tensions.
Notably, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has expressed frustration over its exclusion from reform discussions, arguing that the interim government must act swiftly to avoid further unrest. Ongoing inflation and economic hardships are exacerbating public dissatisfaction, as evidenced by long lines for subsidized food in Dhaka.
Amidst these turbulent events, students are beginning to shift their focus back to education and careers. Some, like Nishita Zaman Niha, aspire for further education abroad, while others emphasize the need for political change for future generations. Asiful Hoque Robin, a student at Independent University, Bangladesh, called for the creation of a new political platform aimed at benefiting the upcoming generation.