Interim government\u2019s failures and lack of neutrality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The interim government, formed on August 8, 2024, has struggled to deliver on the uprising\u2019s vision of a discrimination-free Bangladesh. Critics argue it operates under the shadow of Sheikh Hasina\u2019s constitution, with unchanged institutions perpetuating old power structures.<\/p>\n\n\n Farhad Mazhar, poet and thinker who patronises some of the student leaders, said: \u201cWith the formation of the interim government, everything remains under Sheikh Hasina\u2019s constitution. Bureaucracy, judiciary, intellectuals, universities\u2014all are in their previous places; nothing has changed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now the whole Bangladesh is under life support<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n How did student coordinator Razzak get Aladin\u2019s lamp?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arafat: Sheikh Hasina will certainly return to Bangladesh<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Debapriya Bhattacharya, think tank CPD\u2019s Distinguished Fellow, said: \u201cWe brought in a new government with an anti-discrimination spirit, but it has failed to reflect this in economic management and reforms. There is another government within the interim government, raising questions about its neutrality, especially regarding party impartiality. This is no longer a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of PPRC, said: \u201cThere has been a collapse in capacity across ministries, policymaking, and bargaining. The common man has been left out, turning people into spectators rather than active participants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abuse of power and nepotism in judiciary and advisory panels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Allegations of nepotism and abuse of power have tainted the judiciary and advisory panels, undermining public trust. The lack of transparency in judicial appointments and decisions has fueled fears of political manipulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sara Hossain, senior Supreme Court lawyer, daughter of Dr Kamal Hossain and wife of Jamaat-backed journalist David Bergman, said: \u201cFear persists within and outside the judiciary. Judges worry about repercussions for their decisions. If a group protests, a judge\u2019s career is at risk. Who will deliver justice in such an atmosphere? The removal of High Court judges lacks explanation, and we cannot even discuss it openly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Farhad Mazhar added: \u201cThe institutions criticised before the uprising remain unchanged. The judiciary and advisory panels are still influenced by the old looting mafia class, now learning from the National Citizen Party (NCP).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hossain Zillur Rahman stated: \u201cBureaucratic authority is fully entrenched, and institutional corruption has returned in full swing since December 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Human rights violations and mob violence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Human rights violations, including mass lynching cases and political detentions, have surged since the July-August uprising. The rise of Islamist mobs, referred to as \u201cTouhidi Janata,\u201d has intensified fears of social instability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sara Hossain said: \u201cLakhs of names are listed in mass lynching cases, and their accuracy requires independent monitoring. These cases are a matter of shame. The government claims it didn\u2019t file them, but its lawyers fail to challenge them in court. Detainees\u2019 personal freedoms are stripped based on political identity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 36 July flat project: Report reveals massive fraud in estimation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n July Conspiracy: Gazetted lists contain many fake martyrs, injured fighters<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n July fraud busted: Saifuddin claims was shot in two cities the same day<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Altaf Parvez, writer and researcher, said: \u201cA right-wing attitude has spread like a tsunami, with mob violence against those with differing views increasing dangerously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sahul Ahmed, writer and researcher, said: \u201cThe judicial system favours those in power. Victims of the uprising and post-coup period need healing, but society\u2019s wounds are deepening due to ongoing injustices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corruption by advisers and student leaders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corruption allegations have implicated both government advisers and student leaders, tarnishing the uprising\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Sayeed Ferdous, Bangladesh Open University Pro-Vice Chancellor, said: \u201cStudent leaders, once seeking modest capital for business, are now flooded with crores of taka. This corruption is not accidental; it stains the July leadership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anu Muhammad, former Jahangirnagar University professor: \u201cThe government prioritises agreements with foreigners, like Starlink, without discussion, benefiting a select few while ignoring public interest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So-called reforms: A facade?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The interim government\u2019s reform commissions have been criticised as superficial, focusing narrowly on constitutional changes to consolidate power rather than addressing systemic issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prof Anu Muhammad said: \u201cReform commissions are formed, but only the Constitution Reform Commission is discussed, aimed at entrenching political authority for those close to the government.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Altaf Parvez stated: \u201cEleven reform commissions exist, but the consensus commission relies on only six. Why this selective approach? It raises serious questions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report: Adviser Asif Mahmud took Tk20 crore for a transfer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sheikh Hasina reveals Yunus empire, built on ill-gotten money<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sajeeb Wazed challenges Yunus, threatens to sue ACC chief in US court<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hossain Zillur Rahman added: \u201cThe process of paper consensus undermines national unity, and the lack of focus on justice, reform, and elections is evident.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n US deep state’s role in July-August conspiracy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists speculated about external influences, particularly the US, in orchestrating the July-August uprising, raising concerns about foreign agendas shaping Bangladesh\u2019s political landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, teacher and Nagorik Oikyo leader, said: \u201cSeveral forces, both inside and outside the country, want Bangladesh to descend into anarchy. This suggests a coordinated effort, possibly involving the US deep state, to destabilise the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Farhad Mazhar said: \u201cElections risk bringing back the old looting mafia class, which aligns with external interests seeking to control Bangladesh\u2019s trajectory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rise of Islamists and mob influence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since July 2024, the rise of Islamist groups, often manifesting as \u201cTouhidi Janata\u201d mobs, has alarmed civil society. Their field-level influence threatens social cohesion and secular values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Altaf Parvez said: \u201cA right-wing attitude has spread dangerously, with mob violence targeting those with differing views. This reflects the growing influence of Islamist groups.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Money Laundering: How Yunus regime used ACC, Supreme Court to acquit Tarique, Mamun<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yunus is weaponising ACC to harass NBR officials, suppress movement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prof Anu Muhammad added: \u201cThose holding discriminatory politics in the name of religion, caste, class, or gender dominate, contrary to the uprising\u2019s anti-discrimination spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judiciary and social justice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The judiciary\u2019s failure to deliver justice and address minority rights remains a critical concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sara Hossain said: \u201cInjustice to minorities goes unaddressed due to fear. The culture of blaming victims must change. We are far from establishing truth, accountability, and justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sahul Ahmed added: \u201cCompensating those affected by the uprising and post-coup violence is essential for justice, but the current system deepens societal wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neglected voices of the uprising<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The contributions of ordinary citizens, particularly workers, have been sidelined in post-uprising narratives, deepening public disillusionment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Filmmaker Kamar Ahmad Simon said: \u201cThe spontaneous participation of rickshaw pullers and common people is ignored. The rickshaw puller who aided the injured had his rickshaw dismantled, with no support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maha Mirza, a development economics researcher, said: \u201cWorkers, especially garment workers like Champa, the first martyr, bore the uprising\u2019s brunt. Factories closed, salaries stopped, yet the government ignored their plight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding the commercialisation of July movement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists cautioned against turning the July Uprising into a commercialised narrative, drawing parallels with past political manipulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maha Mirza said: \u201cCelebrating July risks turning it into an industry, like the Awami League\u2019s use of the Liberation War. We must avoid this trap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dangers ahead: A call for elections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists warned of looming dangers, including weak opposition, authoritarian risks, and social fragmentation, urging immediate elections to restore democratic accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya said: \u201cA real election, not one of compromise or seat-sharing, is needed. This requires peace, order, and army participation, as administrative and law enforcement forces alone are insufficient.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dailyrepublicbd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Army_alqaeda-1.webp\")