M A Hossain

In times of political upheaval, moments arise when the collective will of the people demands change. Recent student uprisings in the country have been heralded as one such opportunity—a chance to reshape the socio-political landscape and create a more equitable system. The interim government, which has assumed the reins of administration during this crucial juncture, appears to be addressing public expectations by outlining reform measures across various sectors. However, a lingering question persists: Are these reforms targeting the root causes of the mass unrest that brought people to the streets, or are they merely superficial measures?

Underlying this inquiry is a grim reality—the persistence of a toxic "familiar culture" in governance and society. This culture, perpetuated by certain political parties, their leaders, and even bureaucratic structures, has sown seeds of injustice, coercion, financial exploitation, and power abuse. Despite warnings and disciplinary actions from the higher echelons of political leadership, these malpractices seem to thrive, threatening the potential for meaningful change.

While political organizations are often blamed for fostering this negative culture, the issue is far more intricate. Bureaucracy, particularly the police administration, shares culpability. Political violence and corruption cannot flourish without the tacit or explicit involvement of government officials. Allegations abound of bureaucrats sheltering political groups to establish a reign of terror. From awarding lucrative contracts to turning a blind eye to illegal activities, such collusion undermines justice and perpetuates public suffering.

The involvement of police in aiding political entities is especially troubling. Historically, such alliances have yielded devastating outcomes, as law enforcement agencies prioritize political allegiance over public welfare. This compromises the integrity of governance and creates a vicious cycle where people lose trust in both political institutions and the administration.

The interim government’s efforts to introduce reforms and build a “new Bangladesh” are undoubtedly commendable. Proposals for administrative changes, especially within the police force, aim to address systemic flaws. However, history cautions against unbridled optimism. Similar attempts in the past have often failed to produce lasting results. While changes in bureaucracy can be legislated, reforming political culture presents a far greater challenge.

Political parties must take responsibility for their own transformation. They need to dismantle entrenched structures of exploitation and embrace transparency and accountability. Without internal reform, even the most well-intentioned administrative changes are unlikely to achieve their intended outcomes. The key question remains: Can political parties rise above self-interest and prioritize the public good? Or will they revert to familiar patterns of dominance and exploitation?

A significant factor in the success or failure of governance lies in the leadership of top officials in the field administration. The actions of these leaders set the tone for the entire administrative machinery. However, as history has shown, bureaucratic reforms are often undermined by the very individuals tasked with implementing them. A culture of impunity allows officials to manipulate loopholes in the law, creating new avenues for exploitation.

The metaphor of “coal that does not get dirty” aptly captures this dilemma. Despite repeated efforts to cleanse the system, the stain of corruption and abuse of power seems to persist. To break this cycle, systemic safeguards must be established to ensure accountability at all levels of governance. This includes creating mechanisms to prevent both political leaders and bureaucrats from exploiting their positions for personal gain.

The lessons of history are clear. When rulers, political leaders, or administrative officials use state machinery to oppress and exploit the people, the consequences are often catastrophic. Public discontent, left unaddressed, can escalate into widespread unrest, as witnessed in the recent student uprisings. These uprisings serve as a stark reminder of the risks of ignoring systemic flaws.

However, the aftermath of such movements is often characterized by a return to the status quo. Moments of hope and possibility give way to disillusionment as familiar patterns of governance reassert themselves. This cycle underscores the urgent need for genuine, far-reaching reforms that address the root causes of public dissatisfaction.

Transparency in administration is not merely a buzzword; it is the foundation of effective governance. For reforms to succeed, they must be accompanied by a commitment to openness and accountability. This applies to both political parties and bureaucratic institutions. Leaders must demonstrate a willingness to listen to the concerns of the people and take decisive action against corruption and abuse of power.

Public participation is also essential. Citizens must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable through mechanisms such as independent oversight bodies and access to information. Only by fostering a culture of transparency can the government rebuild trust and create a system that truly serves the people.

The current interim government faces a monumental task. On one hand, it must address the immediate demands of the people and quell the unrest that brought it to power. On the other, it must lay the groundwork for long-term reforms that will prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the uprising. This requires balancing the urgency of the moment with the need for thoughtful, sustainable solutions.

Reforming the police administration and other bureaucratic institutions is a step in the right direction. However, these efforts must be complemented by broader measures to promote good governance and political accountability. Political parties must play their part by committing to internal reforms and embracing a culture of service rather than domination.

Ultimately, the success of these efforts will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders—political leaders, bureaucrats, and citizens alike—to embrace change. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, the interim government has a chance to turn this moment of crisis into a turning point for the nation.

The uprising of the students has created a unique opportunity for the country to break free from the shackles of a toxic political and bureaucratic culture. However, this opportunity will be squandered if the underlying issues are not addressed. The interim government’s efforts to introduce reforms are a step in the right direction, but they must be accompanied by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and public participation.

The question remains: Will this moment of hope lead to lasting change, or will it merely be another chapter in the cycle of repetition? The answer lies in the actions of the government, political leaders, and citizens. Together, they must work to create a system that serves the people, not the other way around. Only then can the vision of a “new Bangladesh” become a reality.

The writer is a, Political & defense analyst based in Bangladesh