Saturday, 22 February, 2025
EDITORIAL
The release of the reform commissions' full report published Sunday has outlined immediate, mid-term, and post-election strategies. Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, has confirmed that the recommendations will be shared with all political parties, including factions supporting the July mass uprising. Meanwhile, the nation remains in turmoil. The report will be released at a time when escalating protests on the streets almost every day by various groups—students, professionals, and opposition activists—are disrupting normal life, threatening not only Bangladesh’s stability but also its democratic framework. The situation has brought industries, businesses, and transportation to a near standstill, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses.
The crucial question arises: Where Does the Nation Go from Here?
The student-led protests that erupted on July 1 have shaken the very foundation of Bangladesh’s political landscape. Initially triggered by grievances over the quota system, the movement has since transformed into a full-fledged anti-discrimination uprising, spreading across the country. The movement reached its peak after the police killed thousands of students and youths who were on the street to fight fascism and ended when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi. The incident has drawn global attention, with international observers expressing deep concerns over Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
With a population of 170 million, Bangladesh is a young nation, both demographically and in terms of its evolving democracy. Nearly 67% of its people are aged between 15 and 64, with over a quarter of the population between 15 and 29 years old. This youth demographic is at the forefront of the ongoing protests, demanding reforms and an end to political exclusion. Their frustration stems from years of economic hardship, limited job opportunities, and governance failures. Despite Bangladesh’s impressive GDP growth in recent years, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. Approximately 40% of Bangladeshis aged 15-24 are neither employed nor engaged in education or training. This staggering figure highlights the country’s failure to harness the potential of its young workforce, a key factor fuelling discontent. Without immediate political and economic reforms, Bangladesh risks losing an entire generation to instability, poverty, and disillusionment.
However, the economic toll of the unrest cannot be overstated. Bangladesh’s once-thriving garment sector—responsible for more than 80% of export earnings—has suffered major disruptions. Supply chain bottlenecks, declining international orders, and labour unrest have further exacerbated the crisis. Other key industries, including agriculture, ICT, and small businesses, are also reeling under the weight of political instability. The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has warned of severe fiscal challenges, citing a mere 3.7% increase in revenue collection during the early months of FY25.
With the government heavily reliant on high-cost domestic borrowing to bridge the budget deficit, economic sustainability appears increasingly fragile. CPD estimates that achieving the required 45.1% revenue growth in the latter half of the fiscal year is nearly impossible under the current conditions. Additionally, soaring domestic interest payments are further straining the economy, pushing the country toward a potential financial crisis. Investor confidence is also at an all-time low. International businesses are hesitant to expand their footprint in Bangladesh amid uncertainty, while local entrepreneurs struggle to keep their operations afloat. Even small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in employment generation, are experiencing declining revenues and rising costs. If the political impasse continues, Bangladesh may face long-term economic stagnation, undermining its progress toward becoming a middle-income country.
The spectre of authoritarianism looms large over Bangladesh’s political crisis. The nation has a history of military rule, political repression, and undemocratic governance. Periods of political instability have often provided an opportunity for authoritarian forces to tighten their grip on power, dismantling democratic institutions and suppressing dissent. Today, as political rhetoric grows increasingly hostile, the risk of a return to authoritarian rule becomes more pronounced. The erosion of judicial independence, crackdowns on free speech, and arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders signal a dangerous trend. History has shown that when democracy weakens, fascism finds fertile ground to take root.
Authoritarian regimes typically consolidate power by dismantling opposition voices, controlling the media, and curbing civil liberties. If Bangladesh’s ruling elite continues down this path, the country may find itself slipping back into an era of repression, where political dissent is silenced and governance becomes a tool for absolute control. To prevent this, urgent action is required.
Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. The current crisis has exposed deep fractures within its political system, highlighting the urgent need for reform. However, this moment also presents an opportunity—a chance to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
The Way Forward: A Call for Unity and Reform
The only way to break the current impasse is through dialogue and national unity. All political parties, civil society groups, and stakeholders must come together to chart a peaceful and democratic path forward. The interim government and opposition must recognise each other’s legitimacy and agree to negotiate in good faith. A credible, transparent, and corruption-free electoral process is essential to restoring public trust in democracy. Electoral reforms must be undertaken with input from all major stakeholders, ensuring that future elections are free and fair. The judiciary, election commission, and other key institutions must function independently, free from political influence. Robust institutions are necessary to safeguard democracy and prevent authoritarian overreach.
Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. The current crisis has exposed deep fractures within its political system, highlighting the urgent need for reform. However, this moment also presents an opportunity—a chance to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. The return of fascism is not inevitable. It is a threat that can be averted if political leaders, civil society, and citizens unite in their commitment to democratic values. The future of Bangladesh does not belong to a select few; it belongs to its people. Through unity, dialogue, and meaningful reforms, Bangladesh can navigate its way out of this crisis and emerge as a stronger, more resilient nation.
The stakes could not be higher. The choices made in the coming months will determine whether Bangladesh moves toward a brighter democratic future—or falls back into the shadows of authoritarian rule.
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EDITORIAL
The release of the reform commissions' full report published Sunday has outlined immediate, mid-term, and post-election strategies. Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, has confirmed that the recommendations will be shared with all political parties, including factions supporting the July mass uprising. Meanwhile, the nation remains in turmoil. The report will be released at a time when escalating protests on the streets almost every day by various groups—students, professionals, and opposition activists—are disrupting normal life, threatening not only Bangladesh’s stability but also its democratic framework. The situation has brought industries, businesses, and transportation to a near standstill, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses.
The crucial question arises: Where Does the Nation Go from Here?
The student-led protests that erupted on July 1 have shaken the very foundation of Bangladesh’s political landscape. Initially triggered by grievances over the quota system, the movement has since transformed into a full-fledged anti-discrimination uprising, spreading across the country. The movement reached its peak after the police killed thousands of students and youths who were on the street to fight fascism and ended when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to New Delhi. The incident has drawn global attention, with international observers expressing deep concerns over Bangladesh’s political trajectory.
With a population of 170 million, Bangladesh is a young nation, both demographically and in terms of its evolving democracy. Nearly 67% of its people are aged between 15 and 64, with over a quarter of the population between 15 and 29 years old. This youth demographic is at the forefront of the ongoing protests, demanding reforms and an end to political exclusion. Their frustration stems from years of economic hardship, limited job opportunities, and governance failures. Despite Bangladesh’s impressive GDP growth in recent years, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. Approximately 40% of Bangladeshis aged 15-24 are neither employed nor engaged in education or training. This staggering figure highlights the country’s failure to harness the potential of its young workforce, a key factor fuelling discontent. Without immediate political and economic reforms, Bangladesh risks losing an entire generation to instability, poverty, and disillusionment.
However, the economic toll of the unrest cannot be overstated. Bangladesh’s once-thriving garment sector—responsible for more than 80% of export earnings—has suffered major disruptions. Supply chain bottlenecks, declining international orders, and labour unrest have further exacerbated the crisis. Other key industries, including agriculture, ICT, and small businesses, are also reeling under the weight of political instability. The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has warned of severe fiscal challenges, citing a mere 3.7% increase in revenue collection during the early months of FY25.
With the government heavily reliant on high-cost domestic borrowing to bridge the budget deficit, economic sustainability appears increasingly fragile. CPD estimates that achieving the required 45.1% revenue growth in the latter half of the fiscal year is nearly impossible under the current conditions. Additionally, soaring domestic interest payments are further straining the economy, pushing the country toward a potential financial crisis. Investor confidence is also at an all-time low. International businesses are hesitant to expand their footprint in Bangladesh amid uncertainty, while local entrepreneurs struggle to keep their operations afloat. Even small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a crucial role in employment generation, are experiencing declining revenues and rising costs. If the political impasse continues, Bangladesh may face long-term economic stagnation, undermining its progress toward becoming a middle-income country.
The spectre of authoritarianism looms large over Bangladesh’s political crisis. The nation has a history of military rule, political repression, and undemocratic governance. Periods of political instability have often provided an opportunity for authoritarian forces to tighten their grip on power, dismantling democratic institutions and suppressing dissent. Today, as political rhetoric grows increasingly hostile, the risk of a return to authoritarian rule becomes more pronounced. The erosion of judicial independence, crackdowns on free speech, and arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders signal a dangerous trend. History has shown that when democracy weakens, fascism finds fertile ground to take root.
Authoritarian regimes typically consolidate power by dismantling opposition voices, controlling the media, and curbing civil liberties. If Bangladesh’s ruling elite continues down this path, the country may find itself slipping back into an era of repression, where political dissent is silenced and governance becomes a tool for absolute control. To prevent this, urgent action is required.
Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. The current crisis has exposed deep fractures within its political system, highlighting the urgent need for reform. However, this moment also presents an opportunity—a chance to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.
The Way Forward: A Call for Unity and Reform
The only way to break the current impasse is through dialogue and national unity. All political parties, civil society groups, and stakeholders must come together to chart a peaceful and democratic path forward. The interim government and opposition must recognise each other’s legitimacy and agree to negotiate in good faith. A credible, transparent, and corruption-free electoral process is essential to restoring public trust in democracy. Electoral reforms must be undertaken with input from all major stakeholders, ensuring that future elections are free and fair. The judiciary, election commission, and other key institutions must function independently, free from political influence. Robust institutions are necessary to safeguard democracy and prevent authoritarian overreach.
Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. The current crisis has exposed deep fractures within its political system, highlighting the urgent need for reform. However, this moment also presents an opportunity—a chance to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. The return of fascism is not inevitable. It is a threat that can be averted if political leaders, civil society, and citizens unite in their commitment to democratic values. The future of Bangladesh does not belong to a select few; it belongs to its people. Through unity, dialogue, and meaningful reforms, Bangladesh can navigate its way out of this crisis and emerge as a stronger, more resilient nation.
The stakes could not be higher. The choices made in the coming months will determine whether Bangladesh moves toward a brighter democratic future—or falls back into the shadows of authoritarian rule.
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