After 15 years of unilateral power, rampant corruption, and endemic cronyism under the deposed kleptocracy, the new government now faces the enormous challenge of ensuring transparency, upholding the rule of law, and engineering sustainable prosperity for all, without which the very essence of the youth-led new Bangladesh could be compromised. Despite their youth, the new guardians of the state bear a weighty responsibility, leaving no margin for errors in judgment or impulsive actions. The nation's unwavering support was crucial in realizing their vision, and they owe their every position to the citizens.
Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, alongside the student leaders now in power, has repeatedly encouraged public critique of their actions. Far be it from me to offer unwarranted criticism, yet, as an early supporter of the quota movement and the fight for meritocracy, I feel compelled to point out their missteps-not out of dissent, but as a cautionary tale. It is now the time for prudence, not recklessness where opponents scrutinise every misstep to undermine the noble pursuit of our youth on democracy, law, and justice for all.
The following are critical points where their actions faltered and sparked widespread public debate:
The Traps of Victory-: While the students fought valiantly for meritocracy and freedom of speech, a disturbing trend has emerged where even the slightest criticism of the current regime or students triggers intense backlash. Worse still, any individual who dares to acknowledge the merits of the previous government is quickly branded as a "Dalal" (sycophant), creating a chilling effect on free expression. This is a Non-Glorious Mistakes of the Glorious Triumphant Youth & such intolerance undermines the very values of democracy and freedom the youth fought to uphold.
1. "The Auto Pass Dilemma": One of the most problematic actions taken by the students was their demand for an "auto pass" in exams. This demand, which was shamefully conceded by the education ministry, reveals an inherent contradiction: the students who protested for justice and meritocracy are now benefiting from favouritism and influence. Like the French Revolution's descent into chaos, hard-earned freedom is vulnerable when principles are abandoned. Long-term, this decision could backfire when these youth face international competition, where real achievement, not short-cuts, shapes leaders. Just as soldiers in a war suffer from PTSD after the conflict, many of these students will suffer from a psychological burden from double angle, as the knowledge that their success came not through merit but through mob pressure will be a constant reminder of this contradiction. In reality, hard work and perseverance are the only currencies that pay dividends in life. The youth must remember that while their bravery has inspired the nation, it is their dedication to education that will determine their future on the global stage.
2. Mob Justice: A Dark Legacy: The students' non-partisan movement against corruption garnered unprecedented support from all sectors of society. However, the trend of mob justice-popular in the initial phase of protests-has now turned into a dangerous pattern. There is a growing appetite among some youth for enforcing their power through unruly actions. Such behavior undermines the democratic fabric of the nation and could lead to a descent into violence and terror.
The consequences of this mob mentality are already visible in social media, where violent posts and jokes about the killings of political opponents are celebrated. The rule of law cannot be replaced by mob action. The historical cycle of revenge and retribution has destroyed countless societies, and Bangladesh must avoid this dangerous path.
Socrates' tragic story serves as a timeless warning: in ancient Athens, the philosopher was sentenced to death by popular vote, forced to drink poison for his dissenting views. Socrates' fate & History warns us: unchecked populism, like during the Reign of Terror, can quickly devour its own.
3. Distraction from Core Reforms: After any revolution or movement, there is often a period of disorder. However, the students' current focus on superficial reforms, such as changing the national anthem, turning state property into dark museum, revising history books, or renaming institutions, is misplaced. While these changes may be valid in their own time, the current priority must be the urgent reforms necessary to stabilize the nation instead of whimsical symbolic changes.
"While the students fought valiantly for meritocracy and freedom of
speech, a disturbing trend has emerged where even the slightest
criticism of the current regime or students triggers intense backlash.
Worse still, any individual who dares to acknowledge the merits of the
previous government is quickly branded as a "Dalal" (sycophant),
creating a chilling effect on free expression. This is a Non-Glorious
Mistakes of the Glorious Triumphant Youth & such intolerance
undermines the very values of democracy and freedom the youth fought to
uphold"
The interim government and student leaders should be focused on restoring the rule of law, fixing the banking and financial sectors, repatriating Rohingya refugees, and addressing critical issues in healthcare and education. These are the real battles that must be won to bring long-term prosperity to Bangladesh. This echoes the fate of many nations after revolutions, where reforms were derailed by symbolic battles, leaving deeper societal wounds untreated.
Dr. Yunus, a Nobel laureate with immense public and international respect, must be allowed to lead. He represents Bangladesh's greatest strength on the world stage, and the students should support his efforts to rebuild the nation rather than overshadow his leadership. Dr. Yunus' leadership will ensure that Bangladesh is recognized globally for its youth-driven movement and democratic
transformation. This echoes the fate of many nations after revolutions, where reforms were derailed by symbolic battles, leaving deeper societal wounds untreated, therein it must be clear that his mandate comes from the people of Bangladesh, not from external forces or youth mobs.
4. Granting a Free Pass to Political Anarchy: While students and the interim government have been focused on reforms, various political parties have exploited the chaos for their own gain, seizing control of institutions and engaging in extortion and other criminal activities. The collapse of law enforcement morale has only exacerbated this problem. There are now widespread allegations that the police are hesitant to act against crimes committed by student or protest leaders, & they are even more hesitant to take case or GD from past regime associates, thus contributing to an atmosphere of fear & cowardice.
Students must play a critical role in reversing this trend by working alongside the police to restore order. However, it is vital that they do not fall into the trap of aligning with political parties that seek to manipulate their movement for selfish ends.
Moral of the Veritas : In ancient Athens, Socrates warned against the seductive appeal of demagoguery, using the metaphor of a sweetshop owner competing against a physician. In a society where the masses crave easy, appealing answers, the sweetshop owner will always be more popular than the doctor, whose remedies are difficult but necessary. Ultimately, Socrates' wisdom was ignored, and he was sentenced to death by the very democracy he sought to protect. The lesson is clear: popular movements can be corrupted, and when that happens, the consequences are disastrous.
In order to secure a promising future, the aforementioned fundamental mistakes made during this movement must be acknowledged and rectified to prevent the youth from walking down a dark tunnel. The fight against cronyism, corruption, and injustice is far from over, and the road ahead is fraught with challenges. If they wish to build a greater Bangladesh, they must prioritize forgiveness, the rule of law, and national unity over political revenge and opportunism. In this crucial moment, the youth of Bangladesh must be careful not to repeat the mistakes of history. Their movement has the potential to shape the future of the nation, but only if they remain focused on the higher ideals of justice, equality, and true reform. Anything less would betray the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future of Bangladesh.
This narrative embodies my deep commitment to youth empowerment, gender equality, and global justice. As the founder of HerNet Foundation and HerNet TV, I believe stories told with truth and compassion can create real change. My work has always been about creating platforms for the voiceless & unexplored narratives , and I hope this piece serves as a call to action-for governments, organisations, and individuals to step up and not let the youth derail in their quest for dignity, and democracy for an equal Bangladesh.
