Saad Shahriar: “In a dramatic and bloody turn of events, Bangladesh has been rocked by a mass uprising that culminated in the brutal crackdown by government forces, leading to widespread killings of protestors. Despite the regime’s desperate attempts to cling to power through violence and intimidation, the people’s resolve proved unshakable. The relentless protests ultimately led to the downfall of the authoritarian regime, marking a historic moment in the nation’s fight for freedom and justice.” (*)
ODAK: Hello. The recent protests in Bangladesh are also making headlines in the West. To help us understand this situation, could you first provide some information about the historical development and governance of Bangladesh?
Saad Shahriar: Bangladesh’s current political climate requires an examination of its historical and cultural evolution. The roots of Bangladesh’s political landscape stretch back to the colonial period, where the British colonizer employed a divide-and-rule strategy, splitting the region along religious lines into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. This artificial division created deep social and political fissures, eventually leading to Bangladesh’s bloody struggle for independence from West Pakistan in 1971.
The colonial legacy left behind by the British colonizer has profoundly shaped Bangladesh’s political structures and cultural norms. The imposition of centralized, hierarchical governance models and extractive economic systems established during colonial rule has continued to influence the country’s political trajectory. These systems favored nepotism and concentrated power in the hands of a few, perpetuating a culture of authoritarianism that persists today – until the fall of the most recent Sheikh Hasina regime.
In the post-independence era, Bangladesh’s journey has been marked by significant struggles, including economic devastation, political instability, and military coups. However, the return to democracy in 1991 initiated a new chapter in the nation’s development, with efforts to rebuild the economy and improve social conditions. Despite these advancements, the influence of colonial-era governance frameworks and legal systems continues to challenge the country’s progress.
Bangladesh’s legal system, largely inherited from its colonial past, remains a barrier to true democratic participation. Laws are often imposed through a top-down process with minimal public input, reflecting the enduring impact of colonial governance. This dynamic has been further exacerbated by the concentration of political power within family-dominated parties like the Awami League and the BNP, which have shaped the country’s political landscape for decades.
Under the leadership of dictator Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League has maintained a dominant position in Bangladeshi politics for over a decade, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian governance. Under Hasina’s rule, opposition was ruthlessly suppressed, elections were manipulated, and the media was tightly controlled. Her government effectively transformed Bangladesh into a one-party state, undermining the very foundations of democratic governance. The regime’s repeated assaults on free speech, through intimidation, arrests, and enforced disappearances, created a pervasive climate of fear and repression, stifling meaningful political discourse and dissent.
Economically, Hasina’s government prioritized the interests of a select few over the well-being of the masses. Widespread corruption and cronyism funneled wealth into the hands of her loyalists, while ordinary Bangladeshis bore the brunt of rising inequality, unemployment, and an increasing cost of living. Her policies deepened social divisions, further marginalizing the most vulnerable in society.
This political context also helps to illuminate the various social movements that have emerged in recent years, such as the road safety protests, the tea workers’ movement, and the most recent one the anti-discrimination student movement. These movements represent a broader struggle against the enduring social injustices rooted in both colonial legacies and contemporary authoritarian practices. They highlight the resilience and agency of the Bangladeshi people in challenging oppressive structures and advocating for a more just and equitable society.
ODAK: Can you talk about the protests and uprisings that have developed in Bangladesh? How did this process unfold? What are the demands of the protesters?
Saad Shahriar: The recent student uprisings in Bangladesh are nothing less than a direct confrontation with a corrupt and authoritarian system that has long oppressed and ignored the voices of the youth. These protests are not just expressions of frustration—they are powerful, defiant rejections of the systemic injustices that have plagued the country for decades.
Take the 2018 road safety movement, for example. The senseless deaths of two students in a reckless traffic accident were the final straw, exposing the rot of negligence and corruption within the transport sector. What started as a demand for safer roads exploded into a nationwide outcry for justice and accountability, laying bare the government’s utter disregard for the lives and safety of its citizens. The state’s increasingly repressive response only fueled the fire, proving that the government is more interested in silencing dissent than addressing the real issues facing the people.
The student protests against the discriminatory quota system in government jobs were another bold stand against entrenched inequality. These students didn’t just protest a flawed policy—they were challenging an entire system rigged to benefit the elites at the expense of the majority. The anti-discrimination student movement was a rallying cry against a political machine that perpetuates unfairness, marginalizes talent, and protects the interests of a privileged few.
These movements are united by a fierce demand for justice, transparency, and the dismantling of a corrupt system that thrives on cronyism and nepotism. The students are not merely asking for reform—they are demanding a complete overhaul of a broken system that has failed them time and again. They are calling out the rampant corruption, the suppression of democratic rights, and the lack of accountability from those in power.
These uprisings are a powerful reminder that the youth of Bangladesh will no longer be silenced or sidelined. They are on the frontlines—organizing self along with masses, fiercely challenging an outdated, unjust order, and fighting to build a future grounded in equity and democracy. Despite facing brutal repression—state-led violence, arrests, intimidation, and even death —their resilience and determination remain unbreakable. These young people aren’t merely resisting oppression; they are actively reshaping the political and social fabric of Bangladesh. They demand nothing less than a complete transformation, not just for themselves, but for all future generations.
The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime through the mass uprising marks the long-awaited collapse of an authoritarian rule that for years masqueraded as a democracy. For over a decade, her government systematically dismantled the democratic institutions of Bangladesh, concentrating power in the hands of a corrupt elite while ruthlessly silencing dissent. This downfall is the end of an era defined by cronyism, rampant corruption, and widespread human rights abuses that choked the nation’s democratic aspirations.
After the fall of the Hasina regime, our relentless anti-discrimination student movement stands as a testament to the power of collective action. What began as a modest list of nine demands erupted into a singular, uncompromising fight for justice—a fight that not even the most entrenched authority could silence. This was no ordinary protest; it was a mass uprising, a tidal wave of defiance that swept away the blood-soaked remnants of state violence. Our movement was more than a reaction; it was a historic reckoning that dismantled the complacency and arrogance of the corrupt regime. We forged history in the flames of revolution, transforming decades of oppression into weeks of revolutionary triumph. Lenin’s words have never rung truer: “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.” We seized our moment, and we emerged victorious, proving that the will of the people will never be denied.
ODAK: We know that, particularly in recent times, imperialism has been manipulating or trying to influence popular uprisings. The Chief of Staff in Bangladesh recently made a statement about a ‘temporary government,’ and the US responded positively, making statements that they are pleased with the process. Do you think there is such a danger in Bangladesh?
Saad Shahriar: Absolutely, there’s a real and present danger of imperialist manipulation in Bangladesh, and it’s staring us right in the face. Let’s not beat around the bush—the recent comments from the Chief of Staff about a “temporary government” and the US’s immediate positive response are red flags waving in the wind of foreign intervention. This is a classic case of imperial powers trying to meddle in the sovereign affairs of a nation under the guise of supporting democracy or stability.
The West, particularly the US, has a long history of stepping into other countries’ political landscapes under the pretense of promoting democracy, only to advance its own geopolitical interests. Bangladesh is no exception. The sudden approval from the US of a so-called “temporary government” reeks of ulterior motives. It’s no coincidence that such statements emerge just as Bangladesh is grappling with significant internal challenges and popular uprisings. The timing is too convenient, too suspicious. Let’s never forget that the Western world, including former colonizers and today’s neo-colonizers, are complicit in the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. They not only turn a blind eye but actively support and enable the brutal oppression, proving that their commitment to human rights is nothing more than hypocrisy.
Also, let’s not forget the role of Indian media in this mess. Indian media, often acting as the mouthpiece of its government, has been relentlessly pushing narratives that align with these imperialist interests. They’re not just reporting; they’re propagating a specific agenda designed to destabilize Bangladesh and keep it under the thumb of regional powers like India, who have their own vested interests in ensuring Bangladesh remains a pliable neighbor.
Indian media has shamelessly weaponized the issue of minority attacks in Bangladesh, turning it into a tool of propaganda to serve its own divisive and imperialist agenda. Let’s call it what it is—an outright manipulation of facts, aimed not at protecting minorities but at demonizing Bangladesh and creating a narrative that serves India’s regional dominance and communal politics.
Every time there is an incident involving minorities in Bangladesh, Indian media pounces on it, distorting the facts and blowing things out of proportion. They sensationalize isolated incidents and present them as evidence of widespread persecution, all while ignoring the complex socio- political realities on the ground. This isn’t journalism—it’s a deliberate effort to stir up communal tensions and undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
The hypocrisy here is staggering. Indian media, which is notoriously silent on the rampant and systemic violence against minorities within India itself —whether it’s the persecution of Muslims, Dalits, Christians, or Adivasis (indigenous communities)—suddenly becomes the self-proclaimed defender of minorities when it comes to Bangladesh. They conveniently forget their own backyard, where state-sponsored discrimination and violence are the norm, and instead focus on crafting a narrative that paints Bangladesh as a hotbed of religious intolerance.
This propaganda isn’t just about misinformation—it’s about control. By constantly portraying Bangladesh as a country that is failing its minorities, Indian media is reinforcing the idea that Bangladesh needs to be “managed” or “guided” by external forces, particularly India. It’s a tactic to justify interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, to keep the country within India’s sphere of influence, and to ensure that Bangladesh remains a submissive neighbor.
And let’s not overlook the timing of these fake news campaigns. They often coincide with moments of political tension within Bangladesh, conveniently distracting from India’s own domestic issues or providing cover for Indian state actions that violate human rights. The Indian media’s portrayal of minority issues in Bangladesh is not about concern—it’s about distraction and domination.
This relentless barrage of misinformation also serves to fuel communal discord within Bangladesh itself. By amplifying these stories, Indian media sows division and mistrust among communities, weakening the social fabric of Bangladesh. This is exactly what they want—a fractured Bangladesh, easier to manipulate and control.
The truth is, Indian media is not interested in the well-being of minorities in Bangladesh. They are interested in using these narratives to further their own geopolitical interests, to destabilize Bangladesh, and to maintain their influence over the region. This isn’t about supporting Bangladesh’s democracy—this is about ensuring that any government in Dhaka is one that aligns with foreign interests, whether they be economic, military, or strategic. The West, along with its regional ally India, is keen to influence the political trajectory of Bangladesh to serve its own needs, whether that’s about securing military bases, controlling trade routes, or simply ensuring that Bangladesh doesn’t step out of line.
The danger here is very real. If the people of Bangladesh don’t see through this charade, we could be looking at a future where our sovereignty is compromised, our uprisings are co-opted, and our government is nothing more than a puppet controlled by foreign strings. The so-called support from the West and the propaganda being churned out by Indian media are not about the well-being of Bangladesh—they are about maintaining control over a region that has always been seen as a pawn in their geopolitical games.
This is the time for Bangladesh to stand firm and resist these external pressures. The people’s movements must stay focused on their own demands for justice and reform, without falling into the traps set by foreign powers. We must reject any attempts to hijack our democracy, whether they come wrapped in the language of diplomacy from Washington or in the headlines of New Delhi’s news outlets. This is our struggle, and we must not let it be stolen by those who have never had our best interests at heart.
ODAK: Where do you think the evolving protest demonstrations will lead? What kind of future awaits Bangladesh from now on?
Saad Shahriar: The regime’s downfall was not just inevitable—it was the direct result of a population that had finally reached its breaking point after years of being ruled by fear, corruption, and deceit. This collapse is more than just the end of an oppressive era; it is a powerful rejection of the authoritarianism that has eroded the very core of our nation’s democracy. The people of Bangladesh have boldly declared that they will no longer tolerate a government that serves only the interests of a corrupt elite.
After the regime crumbled under the weight of a mass uprising, the shameless way most of the government officials fled the scene reminds us of a powerful line from the ’80s graphic novel V for Vendetta: “People shouldn’t be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
Now, we face the immense task of repairing, reforming, and restructuring a system that has been brutalized and corrupted from within. This won’t be easy, and it certainly won’t happen overnight. The economic damage alone is staggering: $150 billion USD has been smuggled out of the country over the past 15 years, and our external debt now exceeds $99 billion USD. Beyond the economy, the dictatorship of the last 15 years has sown deep divisions within our society. Corruption has become normalized, the media has served as a mouthpiece for the powerful, and our police, military, and judiciary have been rotted by systemic corruption. When an entire system has collapsed from every angle, it will take significant time and effort to rebuild it.
Moreover, this regime has weaponized religion, just as the colonizers did, further complicating our path forward. These are our domestic challenges, but we must also confront external threats. Our neighbor India acts as a modern-day colonizer, dictating our affairs, while the Western world continues to exploit us. Yet, I believe that all these challenges are surmountable if we can establish true accountability within our system.
In the aftermath of Hasina’s regime, the people of Bangladesh have finally reclaimed their voice and power, refusing to be silenced any longer. This moment is a turning point—a chance to rebuild our democratic institutions and create a government that truly reflects the will of the people. The end of her rule is not the conclusion of our struggle; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s fight for democracy, justice, and equality.
Anything less than an unwavering commitment to fully restoring democracy in Bangladesh is simply unacceptable. The people have endured years of corruption, repression, and authoritarianism, and this moment demands more than hollow promises—it demands decisive action. The interim government must be made to understand that they are under intense scrutiny, not just by the citizens of Bangladesh but by the global community as well. They will not be judged by the platitudes they offer but by the concrete steps they take to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
This is not a time for complacency. We will not allow our rights to be bartered away behind closed doors by those who claim to act in our interest. The power lies with the people, and we are reclaiming it with fierce determination. The old ways of political patronage, cronyism, and manipulation are over. The people’s voice is the ultimate authority in any democracy, and it’s time to assert that authority with a force that cannot be ignored or suppressed.
This is our moment to break the chains of tyranny and build a future grounded in justice, equality, and true democratic governance. We will not rest until every citizen’s right to vote is not just restored but fiercely protected, and any government—interim or otherwise—must know that their legitimacy comes from the people and the people alone. It’s time to rise up, demand accountability, and ensure that the dark days of autocratic rule in Bangladesh are forever behind us.
A friend back home recently told me over the phone, “We had stopped dreaming for so many years—but now, at last, we can dream again.”
(*) Saad Shahriar, member Unrest Radio.
