Safeguarding Bangladesh’s Future: A Call to Action Against the Loyalists of the Fallen Tyrant

The ousting of Sheikh Hasina marks a significant victory for the people of Bangladesh, especially the courageous students who spearheaded the movement for democracy and justice. Her abrupt departure from the country symbolizes the triumph of the masses over tyranny. However, the remnants of her authoritarian regime remain a grave threat to the nation’s newly restored democracy and stability. The battle for Bangladesh's future is far from over, and the nation must remain vigilant to protect its hard-earned freedoms.

The Remnants of Hasina's Regime: A Lingering Threat

While Sheikh Hasina has fled, her loyalists are still deeply embedded within Bangladesh’s institutions, actively working to destabilize the country. These remnants, including corrupt military generals, senior police officers, compromised judges, partisan leaders, and loyal bureaucrats, are conspiring to reclaim power and undermine the democratic gains made by the people.

Provoking Chaos: The Role of Police and Military Loyalists

Senior police officers, still loyal to Hasina, have incited lower-ranking officers to strike, leaving police stations unguarded and allowing Awami League goons to loot, seize arms, and terrorize neighborhoods under the cover of darkness. These orchestrated attacks, particularly targeting minorities, are being filmed and shared with international media to tarnish Bangladesh's image and create an atmosphere of chaos.

Compounding this, corrupt military generals, who amassed immense wealth through dubious development projects under Hasina's rule, continue to protect her interests. These generals, compromised by financial incentives and personal loyalties, are failing to act decisively against the ongoing unrest, further endangering national security.

A Failed Coup: The Role of the Judiciary

In a brazen attempt to seize control, the Hasina-loyalist Chief Justice, alongside several compromised judges, attempted to orchestrate a judicial coup against the interim government. This treacherous act was quickly thwarted by vigilant students and patriots who forced the Chief Justice to resign. However, this incident highlights the pervasive influence of Hasina’s loyalists within the judiciary, a critical institution that must be purged to restore justice and the rule of law.

External Interference: The Influence of RAW

The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of external forces, particularly India’s intelligence agency RAW, which has long been suspected of deep ties with Hasina. Now, with Hasina seeking refuge in India, RAW operatives are reportedly active in Bangladesh, working to create chaos and weaken the country’s sovereignty. Their objective is clear: destabilize Bangladesh, discredit its interim government, and pave the way for Hasina’s return or the rise of another puppet regime.

Misinformation and Diplomatic Manipulation

Ambassadors and embassy staff appointed during Hasina’s regime are using their platforms to advocate for the fallen tyrant, spreading misinformation and defaming the people of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Indian mainstream and social media are flooding the internet with fake news and fabricated stories of communal riots, aiming to further isolate Bangladesh on the world stage and depict it as a nation on the brink of collapse.

Adding to this, the governors of Bangladesh Bank, along with the heads of various financial institutions and the Vice Chancellors (VCs) of universities, who were handpicked by Hasina, are now conspiring to plunge the nation into economic and academic turmoil. These loyalists are deliberately disrupting financial stability and education, further destabilizing the country in a bid to pave the way for Hasina’s return.

Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has also joined the fray, publicly insulting the people of Bangladesh and spreading false narratives to the international community. He portrays Bangladesh as a nation overrun by religious fanatics and extremists, a baseless claim intended to legitimize his mother’s authoritarian rule and discredit the efforts of those who overthrew her.

The Infiltration of National Security: A Grave Concern

Perhaps most troubling is the infiltration of Bangladesh’s military and intelligence agencies by RAW operatives during Hasina’s tenure. While junior officers in the military remain patriotic and loyal to the state, many senior generals have been compromised, their loyalties bought through financial incentives, honey traps, and brainwashing. This internal sabotage represents a significant threat to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and stability.

A Unified Response: Defending Democracy, Sovereignty, and Harmony

In the face of these challenges, the people of Bangladesh, civil society, and the interim government must take decisive action to protect the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and communal harmony. The following measures are essential:

1. Purging Loyalists and Restoring Order

The interim government must prioritize the identification and removal of Hasina’s loyalists from all levels of the police, military, judiciary, civil services, and financial institutions. Swift and decisive action is required to prevent any organized attempts to destabilize the country and ensure that the security apparatus is loyal solely to the state.

2. Strengthening National Security and Intelligence

The government should prioritize securing the nation’s borders and eliminating foreign influence, particularly that of RAW. A thorough investigation and subsequent purge of infiltrated military and intelligence personnel are crucial to ensuring that the nation’s defense mechanisms remain intact and loyal to Bangladesh.

3. Countering Misinformation and Promoting National Unity

Public awareness campaigns should be launched to counteract the fake news and propaganda being spread by Hasina’s collaborators and their international allies. The interim government and civil society must work together to promote a narrative of peace, unity, and resilience, showcasing Bangladesh as a nation committed to democracy and communal harmony.

4. Diplomacy and International Relations

The interim government must engage in proactive diplomacy to secure international support and counter the negative narratives being pushed by Hasina’s loyalists. Building strong alliances with nations that support Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations is key to maintaining global credibility and support.

5. Economic and Educational Reforms

Immediate reforms in the financial and educational sectors are necessary to remove Hasina’s loyalists and restore integrity to these institutions. This includes appointing competent and neutral leaders who can guide these sectors towards transparency, accountability, and progress.

6. Empowering Patriots in the Military

The junior officers in the military, who remain loyal to the state, should be empowered and supported in their efforts to maintain national security. The government should ensure that these officers have the resources and authority to act decisively against any threats, both internal and external.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, with the potential to either secure its hard-earned freedom or fall back into the clutches of tyranny. The fall of Sheikh Hasina is only the beginning of a much larger struggle to secure the nation’s future. The people of Bangladesh, along with the interim government, must unite in their efforts to resist the remnants of the fallen regime and safeguard the nation’s democracy, sovereignty, and communal harmony.

The fight for freedom is ongoing, and the stakes could not be higher. Through decisive action, vigilance, and unity, Bangladesh can emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient, a beacon of hope and progress in the region. It is now up to every Bangladeshi to defend the nation’s hard-earned democracy and ensure that the sacrifices made by so many are not in vain. The time for action is now, and the future of Bangladesh depends on the courage and commitment of its people.

-Dr G M Nizam Uddin, Principal of Bangladesh International School Dammam, Email: [email protected]