H. M. Nazmul Alam

The recent triumph of the students' quota reform movement in Bangladesh, coupled with the unprecedented dethroning of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 15 years of autocratic rule, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. The students, propelled by a vision for a more equitable and just society, have achieved what many thought impossible.

However, history offers essential lessons that these newly victorious revolutionaries must heed to ensure that their success does not morph into a new form of authoritarianism. Reflecting on the strategies employed during Bangladesh’s Liberation War, particularly those of Colonel Khaled Musharraf, provides crucial insights into how the student movement can maintain its relevance and avoid the pitfalls of power.

Understanding the Victory: The Quota Reform Movement and the Overthrow of Autocracy

The quota reform movement began as a grassroots campaign by students across Bangladesh, demanding changes to a system that they saw as unfairly limiting opportunities for merit-based government jobs. The movement rapidly gained traction, growing into a broader critique of the ruling Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina. The students, galvanized by a sense of injustice, used their collective voice to challenge an administration that had become increasingly repressive, culminating in a mass movement that ultimately led to the Prime Minister’s ousting.

Their victory, however, is just the beginning. The students now face the challenge of transitioning from revolutionaries to nation-builders, and history suggests that this transition is fraught with dangers. The experiences of the Mukti Bahini fighters during the Liberation War, particularly those under the command of Colonel Khaled Musharraf, offer critical lessons for the student leaders as they navigate this next phase.

Lessons from the Liberation War: The Power of Psychological Warfare

During the Liberation War, Colonel Khaled Musharraf famously asserted that “No independent country wants living guerrillas; [It] wants a bloody martyr.” His approach to guerrilla warfare was rooted in the understanding that small, strategic actions could have a profound psychological impact on the enemy. The Mukti Bahini did not aim to defeat the Pakistani army in large-scale battles but rather to keep them under constant pressure with small, targeted attacks. These operations—such as bombing military trucks or planting mines on roads—were designed not only to inflict physical damage but also to erode the morale of the Pakistani forces and signal to the Bengali population that the fight for independence was alive and well.

For the student movement, the lesson here is clear: maintaining the momentum of their victory requires a similar strategy of sustained, strategic pressure. Even after achieving their immediate goals—whether it be the reduction of quotas or the removal of an autocratic leader—the students must continue to engage in actions that keep their cause relevant. This could mean organizing ongoing campaigns for further reforms, engaging in public dialogues about the future of Bangladesh, or using social media to highlight issues that resonate with the broader population. Just as the Mukti Bahini’s small-scale operations kept the spirit of resistance alive, the student movement must find ways to keep their ideals in the public consciousness.

Avoiding the Dangers of Autocracy: The Perils of Overreaching

One of the most significant risks facing the student movement is the temptation to overreach in the wake of their victory. History is replete with examples of revolutionary movements that, after toppling a repressive regime, went on to impose their own form of authoritarianism. The Mukti Bahini’s success in the Liberation War was built on clear, focused objectives: to resist the Pakistani military, keep the dream of independence alive, and ultimately, to liberate the country. They did not try to impose an all-encompassing vision on the nation immediately, recognizing the importance of securing their initial goals before expanding their ambitions.

For the student leaders, this means resisting the urge to demand sweeping changes all at once or to impose their will on the entire nation. While their grievances against the quota system and Sheikh Hasina’s government were justified, they must now govern with a sense of humility and inclusiveness. Demanding or imposing every change they believe in—without broad consensus or consideration for the diverse views within the country—could alienate potential allies and sow the seeds of a new form of autocracy. The student movement must remember that their legitimacy comes from their ability to represent the interests of the people, not just their own.

Staying Relevant After the Revolution: Building a Lasting Legacy

The transition from revolutionary to ruler is a delicate one. After their victory in the Liberation War, many Mukti Bahini fighters went on to play crucial roles in building the new nation of Bangladesh. They did not simply disappear after the war; they remained engaged in the political and social life of the country, helping to shape its future. The student movement must similarly find ways to stay relevant after their initial successes.

This could involve participating in the political process, either by supporting candidates who align with their vision or by forming their own political platform. It could also mean continuing to advocate for reforms beyond the quota system, addressing issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and human rights. By remaining active in the public sphere, the student leaders can ensure that their movement’s ideals continue to influence the direction of the nation.

The Role of Dialogue and Compromise: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Power

Another critical lesson from history is the importance of dialogue and compromise in achieving lasting change. The years following the Liberation War were marked by political instability, with coups, assassinations, and the eventual rise of authoritarianism. The ideals of the freedom fighters were often overshadowed by the harsh realities of governance.

The student movement must avoid this fate by recognizing that the path to meaningful change often requires negotiation and compromise. This means being willing to engage with other political forces, even those they may have opposed during the revolution. It means recognizing that not every demand can be met immediately and that some changes may need to be implemented gradually. By creating a culture of dialogue and inclusiveness, the student leaders can build a more resilient and democratic Bangladesh.

Building a New Bangladesh with Wisdom and Vision

The student movement’s victory over the quota system and Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule is a monumental achievement, but it is only the beginning of their journey. To build a new Bangladesh that reflects the ideals of justice, equality, and democracy, the student leaders must learn from history. They must maintain the momentum of their revolution through strategic, sustained pressure while avoiding the dangers of overreach and autocracy. They must find ways to stay relevant after their initial success, transitioning from protest to participation in the nation’s governance. And they must embrace dialogue and compromise, recognizing that the path to lasting change is often complex and requires patience.

By following these lessons, the student movement can transform their victory into a lasting legacy, building a Bangladesh that honors the sacrifices of the past while looking forward to a future of peace, prosperity, and freedom for all its citizens. Just as the Mukti Bahini fighters fought not just for independence but for the future of their country, the students of the glorious movement must fight not just for their immediate goals but for the future of Bangladesh.

The writer is a Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology