Photo : Messenger
Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its political evolution. The recent surge of student-led protests, which many have called a turning point, has sparked an urgent national conversation on whether superficial reforms within the current political framework can genuinely meet the people’s demands—or if a foundational restructuring of the state is needed. At the heart of this debate lies a call for "mul-utpaton" (uprooting) of a system that has, over decades, perpetuated inequality, limited access to justice, and widened the gap between citizens and their government.
The exuberance of the political influence of some parties and their abnormal activities is a matter of concern. Yes, you've banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League, but what about the rest? Will you be able to manage them? When they already started to show their influence across the country.
Especially the way how Chatradal (student wing of BNP) and Chhatra Shibir (student wing of Jamaat) are trying to show their insurance- will the interim govt led by Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus be able to control them? A lot of questions are coming out from the commoners.
However, with a backdrop of threats from extremism, the growing influence of orthodox Islamist ideologies, societal tensions within the middle class, and a nationwide yearning for peace, the current interim government faces the unprecedented challenge of moving beyond mere “sanskar” (reformation).
“rod bodol” (reshuffling) toward a political transformation.
Here, let's explore why any attempt to maintain the status quo without addressing these root issues risks failing the people’s call for meaningful change. Let's discuss what the interim govt should focus on deeply, along with numerous challenges.
Role of President and Resignation Complications
Recent debates surrounding the constitution and the role of the President have highlighted deep structural issues within the political framework of Bangladesh. While the President's position is often viewed as largely ceremonial, not influential. In recent months, the government’s perceived indifference toward the President’s role has sparked criticism, raising concerns that it fails to appreciate the office’s significance in ensuring stability.
Well, the present interim govt took oath from the running President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, which ultimately means that they are following the constitution. But where were your questions then? Why didn't you (especially the student leaders) react then? Only a few showed their concerns at that time. So compelling the present President to resign would definitely be a wrong and self-killing decision. So look before you leap.
However, it's not an easy job now to resign him under the current constitution. When, for many, these demands a reimagining of the constitution itself rather than cosmetic reforms that fail to address fundamental power imbalances.
Reforming or Rewriting the Constitution
In an attempt to navigate these challenges, the interim government recently formed a commission tasked with proposing constitutional reforms. Yet, legal experts, scholars, and political analysts are divided. While some support limited reform, arguing that a full constitutional rewrite is impractical, others—especially young activists and the intellectual community—believe that such an approach falls short.
This tension reflects a broader question: What is the purpose of the Constitution? For many, the current constitution serves as a vehicle for power consolidation, a framework that has allowed political elites and specific interest groups to secure privileges at the expense of the wider public. So, if you rewrite, then you should give priority to equality, freedom, human rights, and so on. But again, look before you leap.
Extremism and Orthodox Islamist Threats
The recent protests have not occurred in a vacuum. Bangladesh has seen a rise in political rhetoric from orthodox Islamist factions, who, fueled by growing public frustrations, have leveraged social unrest to promote extremist views. This rising influence of Islamist ideologies poses a dual threat: it not only challenges the secular foundation of Bangladesh but also risks redirecting political dissatisfaction into religious intolerance and division.
As such, political leaders must ensure that the reformation process addresses the broader ideological struggles currently unfolding. By strengthening secular values, promoting inclusivity, and reinforcing constitutional protections for all citizens regardless of belief, Bangladesh can counteract extremism with unity and mutual respect. Without these safeguards, the threat of extremism could deepen national divisions and destabilise any attempts at creating lasting peace and stability.
Middle-Class Tensions and Economic Disparities
Economic challenges compound these political tensions. With inflation on the rise, essential commodities becoming increasingly unaffordable, and wage stagnation prevalent, the middle class finds itself trapped in a situation where economic survival is constantly at stake. This group, historically seen as a stabilising force within society, now expresses deep frustration with a government perceived to be out of touch with the needs of average citizens.
Especially the increasing cost of living has led many in the middle class to question their faith in the government’s ability to manage the economy effectively. Addressing this requires not just economic reform but a restructuring of the political systems that govern economic decision-making.
The Demand for Justice and End to Political Violence
Throughout the protests, the demand for justice has been a recurring theme. From enforced disappearances to extrajudicial killings and reports of harassment, allegations of human rights abuses have persisted over the years, especially among political dissidents and journalists. The recent movement has cast a renewed spotlight on these issues, underscoring the need for a system that prioritises “insaf” (justice) and transparency in governance.
To restore faith in state institutions, a complete re-evaluation of law enforcement and judicial practices is essential. A reformed system must offer protections against abuses of power, ensuring that citizens can trust law enforcement and the judiciary to act independently and impartially. Furthermore, accountability mechanisms within these institutions should be enhanced, reducing the potential for political influence over legal proceedings.
New Political Contract: Why Reshuffling Alone Won’t Work
At the core of the student-led movement is a call for the "mul-utpaton,” or uprooting, of a system that has long protected elite interests and sidelined the average citizen. As protesters across Bangladesh rally, their message is clear: superficial reform cannot achieve the change the people are demanding. The recent upheaval is more than a movement for incremental adjustments—it is a demand for a new political foundation.
To meet this demand, the interim government must move beyond “rod bodol” (reshuffling) and engage in a process that addresses these foundational flaws.
As Bangladesh stands at this historic crossroads, the interim government must recognize that genuine stability can only come from addressing the root causes of political unrest. The voices from recent protests demand a system that upholds justice, promotes secular and inclusive values, and ensures that every citizen—regardless of background, belief, or economic status—can trust in the fairness and functionality of their government.
This is Bangladesh’s moment to rise to the challenge. By engaging in a transparent, inclusive, and thoughtful process of constitutional reformation, the government has the opportunity to create a political foundation that reflects the aspirations of a new generation, free from the burdens of past injustices. Anything less than a commitment to this transformation risks not only undermining the spirit of the movement but also eroding the hope for a more just, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh.
The writer is a poet, columnist, and journalist. He can be reached at [email protected].
Messenger/Disha
