Written by Afifa Shahid
Content Writer and Data Analyst
Afifa Shahid Mum & Dauwood Ibrahim Hassan
The sky was still overcast, and the storm’s fury had just ended. Life was in ruins, the pillars of trust and hope shattered. In such a moment of disaster, on August 8, 2024, Dr. Muhammad Yunus took the helm as the Chief Adviser of an interim government. This wasn’t just a political change; it was the desperate plea of a broken nation to rise again. The reflection of what we gained and lost in this one year is like an emotional epic, where every line hides a story of pain and hope.
To fill the void in our country’s governance, the government formed various reform commissions. Attempts were made to bring change in all sectors, from education to the judiciary, media, police, and public administration. While this sparked new hope among the people, it also raised many questions about the implementation of these reforms. Deep analysis and debate continue about what kind of changes are coming to the basic structure of the constitution. During this time, we heard of a historic “July Charter”, which promises to make our country’s governance more accountable and democratic in the future. However, doubts remain about how successful it will be.
The economy had a mixed experience this year. The challenge of rebuilding a devastated economy was monumental. As a result of various government measures, inflation has decreased. This brought some relief to the lives of ordinary people. Export earnings increased and remittance flows were also at a record high, which helped strengthen our country’s foreign currency reserves. However, there is debate about whether this economic recovery is just limited to numbers. The purchasing power of many ordinary people is still low, and the inflation of daily necessities continues to disrupt their lives. The strong action that was promised against loan defaulters still has a huge question mark over its implementation.
In the education sector, this one year was a time of change as well as instability. Efforts were made to somewhat appease the anger among students about the new curriculum. However, the path to long-term reform in the education system is still not smooth. On the other hand, attempts were made to raise awareness about mental health, which is a long-neglected and important area. Such initiatives are crucial for building a healthy mindset in society. However, their scope is still limited. Improving a country’s mental health system is a huge challenge that cannot be achieved with short-term initiatives alone.
Socially, this year saw new crises. Although law and order improved in some areas, public unrest has not been completely eliminated. Various group conflicts and disagreements continue to create deep divisions in society. In particular, while freedom of media and expression has increased, new debates have arisen about the limits of this freedom in some cases. A controversial incident regarding indigenous rights showed that the government’s actions were not acceptable to everyone, which could lead to bigger social conflicts in the future. These kinds of events prove that the seeds of inequality and division still remain in society.
An Account of Gains and Losses: On the Path to the Future
What we gained in this one year is the dream of a new beginning, born of the huge expectations of the people. We got a new kind of political environment where people’s participation and opinions are being valued. On the other hand, what we lost is stability. Many of the rapid and effective solutions that the public expected from an interim government are still unresolved. We failed to achieve a consolidated and effective democratic framework.
To build the future, we need to hold on to some of our achievements. For example, incidents like extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances have decreased. This trend must continue. The recommendations of the reform commissions must be implemented quickly and based on public opinion. In this one year, we have faced some new types of crises, such as new forms of militancy and ethnic division. It is very important to adopt a well-thought-out strategy to deal with them.
Bangladesh is now at a crossroads. On one hand, there is the call of new possibilities; on the other, the ghosts of old problems. Where the government will take the country depends on the steps it takes. An election is not the only solution. A fair and free election is just the beginning. This reform requires another reform, which is the reform of the people’s mindset. The biggest need for the country and the nation now is patience, tolerance, and mutual respect. Among the things the government should do are creating jobs for the youth, revitalizing the rural economy, and, above all, establishing an inclusive society where no one is discriminated against based on religion, race, or opinion.
From School to Army: A Picture of Everyone’s Participation
During this interim government, the responsibility for our country’s change was not left to the government alone. From ordinary students to members of the army, everyone seems to be dreaming of a new Bangladesh. Continuing the movement that started under the leadership of students, the student community is now involved in various reform activities in the country. Students from various schools and colleges are working as volunteers, which presents a new picture of social change. At the same time, the army and other law enforcement agencies are also playing a neutral role. Their position is playing a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in society. These kinds of initiatives prove that when a nation is united, it is possible to overcome any adversity.
The Hope of a New Dawn
We know that solving these problems is difficult, but not impossible. A specific roadmap is needed to help deal with any sudden situation that arises. Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s government must quickly create this roadmap, which will have specific goals and deadlines for each sector. If the government takes firm steps with the goal of re-establishing democracy, ensuring the rule of law, and building a corruption-free society, then we will be able to make the success of this one year permanent. The future of Bangladesh will not be built by the hands of a few political leaders, but by the combined efforts of every ordinary person who has a dream of a new Bangladesh in their heart.
“We want that morning, whose first light holds no fear, no hesitation. We want that type of Bangladesh, where people’s dreams can fly, where every voice is heard equally. We will move forward holding this dream in our hearts, because every hardship on this journey will plant the seed of a beautiful future for us.”
