What is our country's most pressing challenge in the post-revolution period? There are various perspectives from different segments of society. To the patriotic citizens, the unsung heroes, this is an urgent and existential question that the popular interim government must address immediately. It is crucial for the government's survival and success and for steering the way to completing the nation's trust. Perhaps the more significant challenge is from within, notwithstanding the influence from without. The priority list of the actions or reforms of the interim government can be debated as to their serials. Still, we can agree to disagree about the sequence and serials but should unanimously agree on their needs, necessities, and priorities.
In his speech to the nation on 11 September, the chief adviser announced the formation of six commissions to reform the electoral system, police, judiciary, public administration, the constitution, and anti-corruption efforts. Five commissions, except the Reform Commission on the Constitution, were officially formed on 3 October through gazette notifications. The gazette notification for the Reform Commission on the Constitution is still pending.
Forming these commissions and submitting reports in ninety days does not have much effect for a general citizen. While they enjoy participating in debates and discussions on the selection of the commission members over a cup of tea by the corner of the street or in the teashops of the bazaars, they are more concerned about their wallets. The purchasing capacity of the individual to maintain their families with the bare minimum standard is their priority. Despite the alleged dismantling of the infamous syndicates, the spiraling price hike of the daily commodities has remained a vital concern for most people. This could be the priority number one.
The restoration of the law and order situation could be the second most important priority for the people. The evil forces-the residue of the fallen fascist regime staged one after another attempt to destabilize the government in the absence of almost total active service of the police department. They are yet to function and operate professionally. On top of the fragile law and order situation comes the grave concern that the majority of the associates and the key cronies of the fallen fascist regime are yet to be brought to justice. It is worth mentioning that most of our people are law-abiding citizens, given their Islamic faith and culture. For that reason alone, in the aftermath of the revolution, when the Department of Police collapsed for three to four days until the deployment of the armed forces, there was no big breach of national discipline. One must not forget what happens in the so-called first world even if there is a power breakdown for a couple of minutes!
In talk shows, round table discussions, seminars, symposiums, elite interviews, etc., the audience hears much about the urgency of reforming education policy. But they don’t see any mention of the formation of a commission to reform the education sector. No one denies that education is the backbone of a country and that the fallen dictator severely yet systematically influenced this sector to create an intellectually subservient, ethically corrupt, and professionally cripple future generation. Most importantly, remaking Bangladesh as the dream of the people of Bangladesh after the 36th July victory requires a changing mindset. Can anyone deny that changing mindset to a positive direction to make Bangladesh a free, just, and prosperous nation, can be made without reforming the education sector? Thus, the reform of the education sector should be at least the third priority, although it is the one that guides all other priorities!
The fascist government’s alleged beneficiaries' subtle recruitment into the different branches of the interim government is not just a concern for the interim government itself. Still, it has also sparked worry in the general mass. Some of the news channels, social media, print, and electronic media continuously furnish many adverse reports, such as methodical yet clandestine moves in reinstalling the fascist regime or to save their cronies from legal procedures through covert selection in the judiciary and administration, the pressure from outside, the news from the other side of the border painting negative images of social harmony is also distressing to the people. The primary source of distress, as observed in post-revolution Bangladesh, is the fear of the return of the fallen fascist regime. This underscores the significant impact of the effort undertaken by the interim government by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief of the current popular government, to remake Bangladesh and its rise in regional geopolitical dynamics.
Bangladesh needs to shape the right mindset to remake itself. It must design a scrupulous roadmap to ward off all sorts of negative propaganda and impediments from potential adversaries, be it within national boundaries or beyond. Bangladesh’s transformation must be spectacular. The leadership cannot take a chance to fail. If Singapore, a tiny fishing village, could move from Third World to First in 30 years, why couldn’t Bangladesh make it in 53?The answer to the question is known to the leadership. They only need the right decision to select the right people to be appointed in the right place for judicious implementation.
Today, every Bangladeshi aspires to prosperity. Bangladesh has a vast demographic dividend. The trend is toward the younger population. They are eager to learn and change. They learn quickly. This inevitability of change should inspire us with the hope and optimism that a similar mindset shift in Bangladesh can lead to a brighter future. Bangladesh’s only Nobel Laureate is sharing his ideas across the globe, and even countries in Western Europe and America are fascinated by his ideas and listening to him for a better future through change in society. So, how should we respond to the current challenges?
The response could be to see these challenges as an opportunity, not a threat. If these challenges are viewed as threats, the leadership will be immobilized by fear. But if they see it as an opportunity, they will develop creative ideas to ride on such challenges.
Bangladesh is currently enjoying an excellent relationship with world leaders and organizations. Thanks to the Professor! During his UNGA visit, the busy sideline meeting schedules, where he shared the background of Bangladesh’s revolution, the people’s aspirations, and the plan for reformation, indicated his government’s priorities. As ordinary citizens, we hope that the government doesn’t fail, for the failure of this interim government is tantamount to the failure of the revolution. We also desperately desire to benefit from his international connections and wisdom to lead the nation to victory-the aspired prosperity. But at the same time, to avoid failing, the patriotic citizens advise him to place qualified and honest officials to run various ministries and organizations.
Patience-patience and patience. Prayers-prayers and prayers. Actions and actions are needed now for the second republic of Bangladesh and its citizens. The people from all walks of life; senior citizens, junior Gen Z, students’ teachers’ employers, employees, business people, labors-all of us need to strengthen the present interim government from our positions and standpoints, albeit not injustice. Suppose we identify and understand Bangladesh’s nemesis from within and without and take appropriate measures and countermeasures. In that case, we will benefit from Professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and our close-to-the-heart revolution.
0 Comments
Post a Comment