A call to preserve the fragile unity of democracy

In the aftermath of the July-August movement – a revolution that tore down the edifice of authoritarianism built over a decade and a half – it is incumbent upon us, the custodians of Bangladesh’s fledgling democracy, to preserve the unity forged in the crucible of that tempest. The sacrifices we made, the blood spilled, and the hopes rekindled are not mere memories; they are a solemn contract, binding us to each other and to the nation we vowed to liberate. Yet, as the euphoria of revolution fades, cracks in that unity have begun to show, threatening to undermine the very democracy we sought to reclaim.

The interim government, led by chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, faces daily challenges of immense complexity – economic stabilisation, institutional rebuilding, and international diplomacy. Their successes thus far are admirable, but triumph is no shield against the need for introspection. The advisers must exhibit unity in speech and action, for without it, the interim government risks becoming a cacophony of voices rather than a symphony of purpose.

Regrettably, divisive rhetoric has emerged from some quarters of the interim government. Narratives that denigrate the contributions of political parties to the anti-authoritarian movement are both false and dangerous. Let it not be forgotten: the political opposition bore the brunt of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarianism for over a decade. We were jailed, exiled, tortured, and, in too many cases, killed. Our fight was not a two-month sprint but a decade-long marathon. To belittle that struggle is to rewrite history and sow seeds of discord at a time when unity is our only salvation.

While we honour the contributions of the interim advisers, we must also confront uncomfortable truths. Among the young leaders now in government are those who were initially drawn to politics not by the ideals of democracy but by the allure of government jobs. This is no indictment of their character but an observation of a systemic malaise. Government jobs in Bangladesh, prized for their non-legal perks and pecuniary advantages, have long attracted ambition divorced from public service.

The quota system, though flawed and inequitable, was symptomatic of deeper issues. The meritocratic rise of private university graduates over the past two decades stands in stark contrast to the entrenched patronage of the public sector. If democracy is to be rebuilt, it must rest on the foundation of genuine meritocracy – where service to the nation, not self-enrichment, is the highest calling.

The fall of Hasina’s regime does not mark the end of her influence. According to the interim government, the authoritarian forces amassed an estimated $250 billion in illegitimate wealth, much of it stashed abroad. This staggering figure is not merely an indictment of the past but a warning for the future. Wealth of this magnitude funds networks of loyalty that do not vanish overnight.

The recent BIGD poll, showing that 9% of respondents still favour Awami League rule, is a stark reminder that the roots of authoritarianism run deep. Many of Hasina’s allies, perpetrators of the July-August atrocities, remain unaccounted for, likely biding their time in safe havens abroad. The woods, it seems, are still dark and full of dangers.

Compounding these domestic challenges is the unrelenting pressure of international geopolitics. The recent visit by India’s foreign secretary underscored a harsh reality: New Delhi is unwilling to engage in substantive discussions with a non-elected government. Meanwhile, disinformation campaigns targeting Bangladesh continue to emanate from Indian sources, muddying global perceptions of our nation’s struggle for democracy.

India, it appears, harbours many of Hasina’s lieutenants, who now hide in plain sight, plotting their return. The spectre of Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States adds another layer of complexity. A resurgent Trump administration would likely empower India further in South Asian affairs, potentially sidelining Bangladesh in the regional calculus. In this precarious environment, unity within is not merely desirable; it is existential.

The responsibility for maintaining unity does not rest solely on the shoulders of political parties or civil society; it falls most heavily on the interim government. Every political stakeholder still holds immense faith in Muhammad Yunus, whose leadership is the glue binding this fragile coalition. But leadership demands more than just faith – it demands action.

Divisive narratives must be shed. The advisers must speak with one voice, recognising the contributions of all factions that brought us to this moment. Unity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The threats to our democracy – both internal and external – are too great to allow for pettiness or ego.

To preserve the gains of the revolution, we must act decisively:

1. Celebrate collective sacrifice: Recognise the decade-long struggle of opposition parties as the backbone of the anti-authoritarian movement. Honour their sacrifices, which included being victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, publicly to reinforce unity.
2. Address systemic inequities: Begin reforming the public sector to prioritise merit and public service over patronage and perks. This is essential for rebuilding trust in government institutions.
3. Combat authoritarian residue: Aggressively pursue the wealth and networks of the fallen regime, both at home and abroad, to hold them accountable and dismantle their capacity for resurgence as an autocratic force.
4. Strengthen international diplomacy: Engage with India and other global powers to counter misinformation, advocate for justice, and rebuild Bangladesh’s image on the world stage.
5. Unify the interim government: Muhammad Yunus must ensure that his advisers speak with one voice, fostering cohesion rather than conflict, coherence rather than confusion.

The unity forged in the July-August movement is not a relic of the past; it is the lifeblood of our future. The stakes are high, the challenges immense, but the rewards – peace, democracy, and prosperity – are worth every effort.

In this fragile moment, we are called to rise above divisions, to reject the seductions of ego, and to act with the clarity of purpose that history demands. Unity is not merely a strategy; it is our salvation. Let us not squander it.●

Bobby Hajjaj is the chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM).