Why 2025 is a crucial year for Bangladesh

This New Year is dramatically different from any other New Year we have celebrated. Our nation has gone through a profound transition, one that has brought with it unimaginable possibilities and extraordinary opportunities. The most remarkable part is that one of the least empowered and apparently most politically apathetic sections of the population—the youth—has become a serious political force.

What began as a student-led uprising—sparked by the injustices of an entrenched and repressive government—became the rallying cry for freedom. These young people, some of whom paid the ultimate price for their convictions, have done what seemed impossible: they have united the people, toppled a government that turned into a grotesque parody of power, and forged a path towards a new political order. Standing in the face of live ammunition, willing to sacrifice their lives, they showed a courage that will resonate in the nation’s memory for generations. We cannot—and must not—forget the lives lost in this struggle, or the thousands whose bodies bear the permanent scars of their fight for justice.

Against the backdrop of such intense events that include the people’s uprising led by students in July-August, and the four months that followed with the interim government taking the helm, let us recap some of the most critical lessons of 2024 as we look forward to 2025.

We are not powerless

The events of last summer were a stark reminder: we are not a powerless people. The uprising demonstrated, in the most instinctive way, that when a critical mass of people are determined, when they come together in unity, anything is possible. Change does not happen by accident, nor does it come through patience in the face of injustice. When pushed to the brink, people will rise. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s downfall came not just because of her own moral bankruptcy or the unbridled corruption of her government and her cronies, but because she underestimated the anger of her own people. Her fate—disgraced, detested, and discarded—was sealed by her indifference to the people’s suffering.

Time for political parties to evolve

As we move forward, our political parties must face a stark truth: their old ways will no longer suffice. The political culture of the past—built on patronage, fear, and opportunism—must be dismantled if democracy is to flourish in Bangladesh. The BNP, though temporarily revived after years of repression, is no exception. While figures like the Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman or Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have displayed a considerable maturity and political restraint, their party, and others, must look inward. They must rid themselves of the old guard’s habits, including the pernicious tendency to “take power” rather than earn it. The public has no appetite for the politics of territorial control—whether it is about controlling the markets, transport unions or courtrooms. As history has shown, no regime that rules through fear and lies will ever hold true power. Once the people’s fear is broken—once they recognise their own strength—no amount of repression can stop them. The last 15 and a half years of the Awami League regime bleeding the economy dry with financial corruption have made people intolerant of corruption.

Political parties must accept, moreover, the central role that students have played in this struggle. Without their courage and commitment, there would be no opportunity for political activity at all. Which is why political parties must be connected to the spirit and aspirations of these young people.

The vital role of women

Perhaps the most striking aspect of the recent uprising was the role of women. It was the young female students at Dhaka University who first became the catalysts of the movement. Later, hundreds more female students from other universities played the same role. Yet, as the movement progressed, their voices began to fade into the background. After August 5, the bold, fearless women who had led the protests found themselves sidelined, their leadership diluted. Women must reclaim their leadership roles—not just in student movements but across all political and social spheres. In a democracy, their full participation is not an option—it is essential for its survival. This must be acknowledged by all stakeholders, the interim government and political parties including those started by student leaders as well as politically influential Islamist groups.

The vulnerability of marginalised groups is real

We must acknowledge that marginalised groups and minority communities are still vulnerable. These groups face both direct and indirect violence, which erodes their sense of belonging and safety. The interim government, and society at large, must take swift action to protect these citizens, ensuring that they are seen and heard. Investigations into violence must be fair, transparent, and decisive, and the individuals responsible must be held accountable. These groups deserve equal representation, not just in the media but in our political institutions as well. No democracy can claim to be just while its most vulnerable citizens live in insecurity.

Embrace inclusivity and religious harmony

Islamist parties in the country have to accept that ours is a pluralistic society and democracy is the only way forward. They must choose inclusivity over exclusivity, dialogue over division. The language of hate—whether aimed at religious, political or ideological opponents—has no place in a democracy. The hatemongers, the “influencers” who stir unrest and target journalists, government officials or ordinary citizens, must be held accountable. To allow them to propagate violence and division is to undermine the spirit of the 2024 uprising.

Reforms: The essence of real change

Elections alone will not bring about the change we so desperately dream of. The reforms we need are systemic, rooted in institutions. The interim government’s reform commissions will be handing in their reports soon, and we look forward to their recommendations, which are to be implemented through dialogue with political parties and other stakeholders. The reforms in the Election Commission, police force, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission will be of special interest as these institutions must be restructured to operate independently, free from political influence. Until this happens, we cannot expect truly free and fair elections. Without reforms, democracy would be an empty shell.

Youth’s power must be wielded with caution

The youth, who has so forcefully reshaped our political landscape, must now approach their newfound power with humility. They must never be susceptible to hubris. Their strength lies not in domination but in serving the people who have entrusted them with the power to bring about change. Their political actions, their strategies, and their ideologies must always reflect the collective will, and never the ego of a single generation. Youthful idealism must be tempered with wisdom, for power without responsibility can have disastrous consequences.

A grip on the economy, law and order

The economy and law and order will largely influence which way the political breeze will blow. No political transformation can survive without economic stability. As we move into the new year, the interim government must focus on ensuring that businesses, both large and small, can function without fear of disruption or uncertainty. The financial sector must be stabilised—dollar prices should be kept in check, trade must be able to flow. For the poorest among us, food inflation must be mitigated with subsidies so they don’t bear the brunt of an economy in crisis. Migrant workers, who contribute to the economy with the vital remittances, must be protected from exploitation, both by unscrupulous agents and employers. The government’s diplomatic missions abroad must be responsive, offering real help to those in distress.

The police force, too, must undergo a serious reform. No longer can they serve as instruments of political repression. They must be transformed into protectors of the people and guardians of public safety, not agents of a ruling party. Only through such reform will we restore faith in our justice system.

A free press is non-negotiable

A democracy cannot function without a free and independent media. In the years ahead, we must ensure that the press is not choked by political pressure or fear. It is only through a robust, fearless media that the people can remain informed and engaged. Only a free press can ensure that a government is accountable to the people.

A call for unity

In the end, survival as a nation will depend not just on political or economic reforms, but on a return to basic human decency: empathy, compassion, altruism, and honesty. We must embrace inclusivity—the strength of our nation lies in our diversity, not in our uniformity. The events of August 5 were a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we stand together, united despite our differences. As we enter 2025, let us carry that unity forward. Because, as history has shown, when we are divided, we fall. But when we are united, we are unstoppable.

LondonGBDESK//