Looking at the results of this election, we feel that a long wait has finally come to an end. In the referendum associated with the 13th Parliamentary Election, the 'Yes' vote secured 68.06%. Approximately 48 million people have clearly stated that they want state reform and wish to walk the path of the 'July National Charter.' The 'No' vote is not insignificant either-nearly 32%. However, the mandate of the majority can no longer be denied.
It would be a mistake to call this victory a mere matter of numbers. This is a victory of the times. For the past few years, discussions have swirled around the need for major constitutional changes, a balance of power and an end to the cycle of centralized rule. Those discussions have now moved from paper proposals to the doorstep of implementation. A bicameral parliament, a rigorous process for constitutional amendment, the formation of an Upper House and the decentralization of power-these are no longer just dreams. They have received the seal of the people.
But this is not the end. More significant than the victory itself is the expectation it has birthed. When people stood in long queues to vote, they weren't just saying 'Yes.' They were saying-there is no room for error this time. The person who couldn't sleep at night for fear of autocracy, the one who didn't get a job due to corruption and those exhausted by inequality are now saying: "We have handed the responsibility of change over to you. Now, show us results."
The first expectation is transparency. Just as the referendum results were clearly announced, the reform process must remain open to the public. Which committees are sitting, who are the members and what is being discussed-none of this should remain secret. The second expectation is speed. There is a mandate to form the Upper House within 30 working days. This deadline must not exist only on paper. The third expectation is inclusivity. The 32% who voted 'No' are not enemies of the state. Their fears and logic must be heard. Reform should not become the monopoly of a single party.
There is also a massive economic expectation. People voted with the hope that reform would reduce corruption, make the job market transparent and increase investment. If banks are still looted, tender manipulation continues and prices keep rising after the new parliament is seated, what value will this victory hold? The people's patience has a limit.
"Our history is littered with victories that later turned into
disappointments. The 1990 Mass Uprising, the 2008 election, the
movements before 2018-each time it felt like everything would finally be
fixed. But it wasn't. This happened because, after winning, the concern
for holding onto power became greater than fulfilling expectations.
That mistake must not be repeated. The youth of today-those who took to
the streets, wrote on social media and stood in line-do not want to wait
anymore. Their expectation is simple: a transparent, justice-based and
participatory state where no one enjoys irrational power and where merit
and hard work are valued"
The pressure on political parties is immense. The BNP has secured a major win and is on its way to forming the government. However, forming a government and implementing reforms are two different things. Reform requires the courage to curtail one's own power. There are many leaders who talk about reform but turn away when it comes to reducing their party's influence. This is their test. Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP and other parties are also in parliament; they too share this responsibility. If everyone starts playing a game of power-grabbing, the spirit of the July Charter will perish.
Our history is littered with victories that later turned into disappointments. The 1990 Mass Uprising, the 2008 election, the movements before 2018-each time it felt like everything would finally be fixed. But it wasn't. This happened because, after winning, the concern for holding onto power became greater than fulfilling expectations. That mistake must not be repeated.
The youth of today-those who took to the streets, wrote on social media and stood in line-do not want to wait anymore. Their expectation is simple: a transparent, justice-based and participatory state where no one enjoys irrational power and where merit and hard work are valued.
The victory of the 'Yes' vote means a door has opened. But the path beyond that door is not easy. There are obstacles, old vested interest groups and the force of habit. Yet, for the first time, it feels like the people's mandate was so clear that turning back is no longer an option.
Final word: This victory belongs to the people. These expectations belong to the people. Those coming to power must remember-they are servants, not masters. And those who voted must remain vigilant. Because democracy is not just about casting a vote; it is about demanding accountability after the vote.
A new chapter has begun. Hopefully, the name of this chapter will be-Fulfillment. If not, the struggle will have to begin anew.
The writer is a banker
