The Bangladeshi Way of People's Aspirations

The student movement was flimsy, fueled by many letters of discontent created by the autocracy. The popular leader, who was once a fighter for democracy, had to bear the tragedy of the government because he translated the trust he received into a dictatorship. Now it is certain that he will not even make a political comeback. The rise and fall of someone in politics is a very common phenomenon, if it occurs within a regular process. If that had happened, Hasina's discussion would have been limited to 'footnotes', but becoming a 'headline' has an additional message. A despotic ruler anywhere who tries to fill his seat by abusing the legal organs of the country must one day bow down to the people. Because, autocracy does not last long.

Hasina's position was high not only because she was the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the freedom hero of Bangladesh, but also because of her struggle for democracy. That is why she became the Prime Minister in 1996. Bangladesh's economic indicators have improved under Hasina's leadership, although the question remains whether the benefits have reached the common citizen or a limited section. But the characteristic of democracy is that it does not allow the imposition of autocracy on the present by presenting a list of heritage and achievements.

No ruler can be arbitrary in winning periodic elections and bringing a majority in parliament. The permission given by the people to be in power is not unconditional but conditional. Democracy is tested in the daily decisions made by the ruler. His every speech and directive has a measure of democracy. Autocrats around the world forget this simple formula. By the time they remember, it's too late. Some have already reached the seat of the helicopter leaving the country. This is the political background of Hasina's Hasyangfasyang on Monday. The end of the rulers who climb the ladder of democracy and respect democracy is such a shame.

Democracies have certain sovereign norms. Like, periodic elections. But Hasina herself presented an example of how autocratic rulers make elections a puppet process. Before the last election in January 2024, the Hasina-led government arrested thousands of activists of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its opponents and critics. The BNP boycotted the election and appealed to the voters not to participate in the voting. It was said that about 40 percent of votes fell in that election. But critics have alleged that even that number is artificially inflated. Hasina, who came to power for the fifth time through such a technical and controversial election, was given a political 'cheque' from the streets within a few months.

But because she could not handle it in time, she went out of the 'board'. Another issue that the rulers and people of other countries should be free of confusion from Hasina's governance model is stability. There are also those who advocate unconditional stability in a country like ours, where the cabinet is frequently changed. But Hasina was in power for 15 years. She became the Prime Minister for the second time in January 2009 from the elections held in December 2008. Meanwhile, she also became the Prime Minister for the third, fourth and fifth consecutive terms through the elections held in the meantime. But this stability was of humor, not of method. Those who desire democracy must make the stability of the law the first condition, not of the individual. Otherwise, it won't take long for stability to turn into despotism.

With Hasina's exit, there is confusion as to how the upcoming political process of Bangladesh will proceed. After Hasina left the country on Monday, the military leadership appeared to have moved on. Whereas, political institutions such as the President, Parliament or the leadership of various parties were expected to fill political vacancies. However, the parliament was dissolved by President Mohammad Shahbuddin only on Tuesday. The conclusion of the discussion for the formation of the interim government has also come out. Nobel laureate and economist Muhammad Yunus will be the chief advisor of the interim government. The President's Office issued a press release on Tuesday night saying that Yunus will lead the interim government.

It is necessary to monitor the interim government and the upcoming political process. Otherwise, it may lead to another political accident after escaping from one despotism as it is said. Bangladeshis are capable and free to make decisions about their country's political journey. They have to learn from the experience of different countries. But with the assurance that at least there will be no non-military leadership and no military influence, the next interim government The democratic journey will be less challenging if we proceed towards the general election as soon as possible. If there is a change in not only the character, but also the attitude of the government, the beautiful morning that Bangladeshis are looking for can come soon.

The overthrow of an autocratic ruler is reference material for any country. It gives energy to citizens of any country who believe in democracy. Even in Nepal, 18 years ago, an unelected autocratic regime was overthrown through the people's movement. Bangladesh can learn lessons from Nepal's positive achievements and express its commitment not to repeat its weaknesses. Nepal can also learn from Bangladesh. Especially if they make the mistake of ignoring the aspirations and dissatisfaction of the people, converting the government rights into an exploitative mechanism and facilitating themselves and their loved ones for acute and illegal income, and creating a series of corruption and misrule, especially after being elected. Let the events of Bangladesh prove to be a moving lesson for all the rulers of the world who wish to impose autocracy by using the democratic process as an outward means.