Dr. Pamelia Riviere  

The people of Bangladesh are currently grappling with a profound sense of frustration and insecurity in the face of escalating violence and the emergence of extremist groups. This alarming situation can be traced back to a bloody revolution initiated by student activists who sought to dismantle the autocratic regime of the former Prime Minister. Their aim was to pave the way for a more democratic system that would ensure the rights and voices of the populace were heard.  The revolution, while fueled by a genuine desire for change, led to a tumultuous power struggle. As political instability surged, extremist factions exploited the chaos, gaining traction among disaffected youth and marginalized communities.

These groups often promised solutions to society's pressing issues, including corruption, youth unemployment and social inequality, which have only worsened in the aftermath of the political upheaval.  The interim government, charged with restoring order and stability, faces the dual challenge of addressing the legitimate grievances of the citizens  while simultaneously combating the rise of extremism that poses a threat to national security. As tensions continue to mount, the future of Bangladesh hangs in the balance, with the need for a comprehensive approach to governance and security being more critical than ever.  It has now been six months since Dr. Younus and his advisory team assumed control as the interim government. When the Chief Advisor stepped into this role, he brought a wave of promise and hope, vowing to implement critical reforms, halt the rampant violence, and eradicate corruption from every government sector. The advisory team has expressed a strong commitment to establishing exemplary governance that can ensure stability and safety for all Bangladeshis.  However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the interim government has struggled to address pressing political issues effectively and has failed to improve the deteriorating law-and-order situation. Reports of civil unrest and political violence continue to surface, indicating a growing sense of insecurity among the populace.

The government's inability to tackle these challenges raises concerns about its legitimacy and effectiveness in steering the country towards a brighter future.  The interplay between reformism and dictatorship can pave the way for a benevolent autocracy. However, it's essential to understand that simply instituting reforms will not suffice. The government must cultivate the ability to manage governance effectively and sustainably. While it's crucial to instill a fear of consequences for criminal activities to ensure the protection of innocent citizens, I am not advocating for a draconian system akin to that of Aynaghar, where innocent lives are recklessly abducted and punished.

To illustrate the gravity of the situation, let’s consider the tragic incident of a gang rape that occurred on a bus in Bangladesh and robbery across the country. This serves as a cautionary tale: should Bangladesh fail to gain control over the rising tide of youth gangs, it runs the risk of sliding into chaos reminiscent of Afghanistan. A critical first step is for Dr. Younus to implement a ban on student politics, a move that would be pivotal in sustaining development and channelling the vitality of the younger generation toward meaningful employment opportunities. Although this responsibility lies with the elected government, prioritizing this issue is imperative.  In Bangladesh, approximately 80 percent of women garment workers have been employed since 1980, and millions of women are contributing to the workforce in the NGO sector and other industries. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the government to ensure the safety and security of  transportation systems, creating an environment where women can thrive without fear.  Peaceful citizens of Bangladesh are perplexed by the dynamics surrounding student groups.

They seem to operate under the mindset that they have little to lose, a dangerous sentiment that often propels them toward criminal behaviour. Addressing the underlying issues of youth discontent and insecurity must be a priority if Bangladesh interim government wants to foster a safer and more prosperous society.  The struggle against Devil Hunts, sexual violence, robberies across the country, threats from clerics, and chaos at KUET are burning issues now. From a sociological perspective, it could be said Bangladesh has become a disintegrated society. This alarming statement raises a crucial question: who should bear the responsibility for the pervasive issues of sexual violence on buses, the violence against students at the Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), and the abhorrent “Devil Hunt” operations? For the fragmented nature of society, should we blame the past or current government, the opposition, or the parents? In truth, each segment of society is accountable for these crises. Human nature, at its core, echoes the instincts of animals. Societal norms and social control systems serve as the bonds that regulate our  sexual behaviour and curtail violence. However, when these systems falter, society experiences a disintegration that engenders moral decay.

This unravelling becomes evident through the rise of heinous crimes—rape, murder, abduction—plaguing the nation with chaos. Bangladesh is amidst this turmoil today, grappling with a conspicuous absence of control across all sectors.  To draw a historical parallel, Emperor Akbar faced significant challenges from clerics during his reign. Akbar wisely separated clerical authority from the judiciary in response, laying the groundwork for a diverse and secular society. Fast-forward to contemporary times, and we see figures like Crown King Salman exercising similar authority by marginalizing clerical influence from the public sphere. In stark contrast, Bangladesh appears to be regressing down a troubling path where clerics feel emboldened to voice threats against the government.  Peaceful secular Bangladeshis are increasingly anxious about the rise of a powerful mega-conservative group that is fundamentally reshaping the political landscape in Bangladesh. This movement poses a serious threat to the social fabric of our society, potentially eroding the secular principles that have long been a cornerstone of our nation.

It is imperative to ensure a clear separation between religious authorities,  such as clerics and mullahs, and government administration. This separation is vital to preserving the country's secular nature and protecting all citizens' rights, regardless of their faith.  In a nation characterized by multiculturalism and secularism, it is paramount that religious leaders focus solely on their spiritual duties rather than overstepping into political realms. The rights of every individual—regardless of their religious background—must be upheld with equal fervour.  South Asia, with Bangladesh at its forefront, has historically exemplified secularism as the cornerstone of governance, and this legacy must continue. We must foster a culture where love and respect for one another transcend differences, promoting peace and harmony for all.  Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst.