A truth commission could recommend institutional reforms

Bangladesh could benefit from the establishment of a Peace and Truth Commission to address unresolved historical and political challenges, promote reconciliation and strengthen democratic governance. Such a commission could address issues that have undermined social cohesion and trust in institutions. The reasons why Bangladesh might need such a commission, in a nutshell:  Address historical grievances and allegations of discrimination, reconcile political factions, build trust between students and institutions, bring justice to marginalised communities and prevent cycles of violence, strengthen the rule of law by ensuring accountability for rights violations, heal national divisions, reform educational institutions, address contemporary human rights concerns, encourage dialogue and national solidarity, learn from other nations, learn from past student movements and strengthen democratic values.

In 1971 Although the country gained independence after a brutal war, many unresolved issues remain, including unacknowledged atrocities, disputed narratives and intergenerational trauma. The political assassinations, coups and counter-coups of the 1970s and 1980s remain sensitive subjects that are rarely discussed openly. A commission could create a space for the truth about this period. The student movement of 2024 probably stemmed from perceived or real discrimination based on socio-economic status, ethnicity, gender or regional disparities in access to education and opportunities. A truth commission can investigate these allegations, validate student voices and ensure institutional accountability.

Marginalised groups (for example, indigenous students, rural populations or women) may have experienced systemic exclusion from higher education institutions. Documenting these experiences could lead to significant reforms. The 2024 movement may have been the scene of clashes between students, the police and political groups, resulting in loss of life, arrests and human rights violations. In the absence of a platform for dialogue and justice, these incidents risk fuelling resentment and provoking further unrest.

Reconciliation between political factions, building trust between students and institutions Bangladesh's political environment is deeply polarised, mainly between the two main political parties, the Awami League (AL) and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). This polarisation has led to violent confrontations, mutual recriminations and cycles of retaliation. A commission could investigate and document these events, creating a basis for political dialogue and reconciliation. Escalating protests often reflect distrust of the government or education authorities. By creating a safe space for students to air their grievances without fear of reprisal, such a commission could defuse tensions and prevent further unrest.justice for marginalised communities and prevent cycles of violence.

Some ethnic minorities (e.g. the Chakma, Marma and other indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts) and religious minorities (e.g. Hindus, Buddhists and Christians) have suffered discrimination, displacement and violence, at least according to media reports. A truth commission could investigate their grievances and recommend remedies and protections.

Strengthening the rule of law Ensuring accountability for rights violations Impunity for influential individuals is a recurring problem in Bangladesh. From the assassination of leaders like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in recent years, many cases remain unresolved. A truth commission could ensure accountability while emphasising restorative justice rather than revenge. Allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest or repression of dissent are commonplace in student movements around the world. A commission could examine whether such incidents occurred within the 2024 movement, thereby ensuring accountability while promoting reconciliation.

Holding perpetrators to account as part of restorative justice could promote healing for the students and communities involved. The wounds of the past - including communal violence, political purges and authoritarian periods - have created deep divisions. A process of truth and reconciliation can help people understand each other's point of view and foster national unity.

The movement may reflect deeper structural problems within Bangladesh's education system, such as:Unequal access to quality education for disadvantaged groups, corruption or favoritism in admissions or scholarships, and lack of representation of marginalised groups in leadership roles. A truth commission could recommend institutional reforms to address these systemic issues and ensure equity and fairness in the education system.

Addressing contemporary human rights concerns Encouraging dialogue and national solidarity. Allegations of human rights violations by law enforcement agencies, such as enforced disappearances, torture and extrajudicial executions, are multiplying. A peace and truth commission could enable victims and their families to tell their stories and seek redress without fear of reprisals. The student movement may reflect wider societal cleavages, such as urban-rural divisions, class disparities or ethnic tensions. A truth commission could promote dialogue between different groups and foster a common understanding of the challenges and solutions.

Countries such as South Africa, Rwanda and Argentina have successfully used truth commissions to reconcile divided societies. Bangladesh can adapt these models to its unique context, ensuring that the grievances of the past do not impede its future development.There are many obstacles to the creation of a Peace and Truth Commission in Bangladesh. Political elites may oppose such an initiative for fear of having their actions exposed or of weakening their power base.

Guaranteeing the impartiality and independence of the Commission's work will be crucial to its credibility.  Decades of institutional distrust mean that the commission will have to work hard to earn the public's trust.Bangladesh has a rich history of student activism, from the language movement of 1952 to the road safety protests of 2018. A Peace and Truth Commission focused on the 2024 movement could address immediate concerns while learning from historical events to create a sustainable path forward.

Reinforcing democratic values

Student movements are often motivated by demands for justice, transparency and equality, all fundamental democratic principles. A truth commission could affirm these values by showing that grievances are taken seriously and addressed through peaceful and constructive means.

Potential challenges

Resistance from authorities: Government or educational institutions may resist such a commission, fearing that wrongdoing or systemic failings will be revealed.
 - Guaranteeing independence: The commission must be impartial, transparent and open to all in order to gain credibility with all stakeholders.
 - Balancing justice and reconciliation: While addressing grievances, the commission must avoid widening gaps or fuelling tensions.

A Peace and Truth Commission could help Bangladesh come to terms with its past, heal social divisions and build a more inclusive and democratic future. By encouraging dialogue and addressing historical and current injustices, the country could lay the foundations for long-term stability and prosperity. However, to succeed, such a process must be inclusive, transparent and politically neutral.

Bangladesh may need a peace and truth commission to address the 2024 student movement on discrimination in order to foster justice, reconciliation and systemic reform. Student movements often highlight deep grievances related to inequality, exclusion and governance, and such a commission could provide a structured approach to addressing these issues constructively.

Why Bangladesh needs such a commission

A Peace and Truth Commission looking at the 2024 student movement against discrimination could help Bangladesh overcome the immediate crisis while laying the foundations for a more inclusive and equitable society. By tackling systemic issues, promoting accountability and encouraging dialogue, such a commission could ensure that students' grievances are addressed through justice and reform, not repression or neglect. This initiative would not only resolve the current tensions, but also reinforce Bangladesh's commitment to equity and democracy.

The signing of the International Convention on Enforced Disappearances is a welcome first step on the long road to truth, justice and reparation for victims and their families in Bangladesh. Enforced disappearances are among the cruelest and most dehumanizing human rights violations that have torn families apart in the country.

To move forward, the caretaker government must strive to fully implement the Convention by ratifying it and adopting strong national legislation that recognizes the permanent nature of the crime and takes into account cases of enforced disappearance that have already occurred before the Convention entered into force. It must also enable the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances to "receive and consider communications" on behalf of victims, in accordance with Article 31 of the UN Convention.

The writer is a Geneva-based private banking compliance security expert, columnist and poet.