From the inspiration of the Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971, the fall of the authoritarian government was achieved through the uprising of students and the public against inequality, rising prices, and corruption. Now, a new interim government has been formed, blending youth and experience. Our future goal is to fulfill the promises for which this uprising was initiated, promises for which hundreds of people were martyred, injured, and sacrificed. We want to create a new Bangladesh and a new political framework where tyranny can never return, where the security of life and justice in society will be ensured, and where democracy and human rights will prevail. I believe this interim government will work with these great goals in mind.
Additionally, it is vital that the interim government's immediate priority is to restore law and order and ensure public safety. The law and order situation has collapsed, and mistrust has grown among the people, making this issue a top priority. Alongside the necessary reorganization or reform of law enforcement agencies or the police, the treatment of injured students is also being prioritized. Restoring the educational environment and re-engaging students with education-these issues are being considered seriously by the government, as the public desires that Bangladesh be enlightened by the light of education as soon as possible.
After the fall of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Grand Alliance government, one of the primary goals of the interim government is to establish democracy in the country and create a fair process for the transfer of power. These issues have plagued Bangladesh for a long time. There was no constitutional and fair process for power transfer, and people were deprived of their right to vote. The interim government will work on these matters. This will require some reforms or reorganization. A framework will be developed through discussions with all parties. The duration of the interim government will be determined based on the time required to complete this task. However, the aim is to transfer power to elected representatives as soon as possible, although this message both encourages and leaves the public in uncertainty. The trauma of Chhatra League's terrorist politics imprinted in the minds of students on campuses cannot be forgotten. The murder of Abrar at BUET happened, and for years, students have been oppressed by Chhatra League at Dhaka University. Students have given their blood to create a new future for the people of the country. Their concerns must be considered. Students believe that there is no need for factionalism, terrorism, and muscle-based student politics on campuses. Students will work for intellectual and knowledge-based development and the struggle for their rights; they will speak in the national interest. Student politics on campuses should be based on student unions. Students do not enroll in universities to serve as party loyalists. This demand from students is important. A decision should be made quickly through discussions with university teachers and other stakeholders. Teachers and students together must decide how the university will be run, just as it is true that the coming days must be adorned with selfless patriotism.
In this regard, it is essential to note that information technology is an important issue for the state. During the last movement, an internet shutdown was imposed, creating a digital crackdown. The right to use the internet is now recognized internationally as a human right. From that standpoint, I believe these incidents need to be investigated as a conscious citizen.
As we walk through such thoughts, it is like throwing stones in the dark when the exiled son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Joy, said, 'My mother will not return to the country. She will not do politics anymore.' Analyzing the events, it is seen that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position under widespread student protests and fled to India. After the fall of the government, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, in a video message, urged for an end to the politics of revenge. Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, welcomed Begum Zia's statement and also called for forgetting the past. On Friday, a report by Reuters, citing Joy's remarks, said that he was happy to hear Khaleda Zia's call to not dwell on the past. He said, 'Let's forget the past. Let's abandon the politics of revenge. Whether it's a national unity government or something else, we're going to work together.' The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Yunus, was formed on Thursday in Bangladesh. Given the changing circumstances, Joy wants a quick election in Bangladesh. He told the media, 'We have a peaceful democracy capable of holding free and fair elections.'
Time is truth, new information is the truth, and according to that truth-during the 15-year rule, Sheikh Hasina made headlines in international media for human rights violations and suppressing opposition political parties. The Awami League consistently dismissed dialogues or discussions with the main political opposition, BNP. The opposition coalitions have been expressing a crisis of confidence in the election due to the removal of the caretaker government system. But the Awami League never paid heed to it. Critics have compared her rule to dictatorship. But after the fall of the government, Joy's tone has changed. He now wants dialogue and compromise with the BNP. Joy further said, 'I believe politics and compromise are very important. We can argue. We can agree to disagree on some issues. We can always seek the path of compromise.' Regarding his political future, Joy stated, 'After this term, my mother wanted to retire anyway, in whatever way. If the party wants me, I might agree. I will certainly consider it.' In this Reuters interview, he also claimed that his mother, Sheikh Hasina, has not formally resigned as Prime Minister. However, in another interview with Deutsche Welle, Joy mentioned that Sheikh Hasina had resigned and was forced to go to India in the face of protests. In another statement, Joy said, 'The people of Bangladesh have repeatedly insulted our family. So now, we, especially my mother, will not do politics anymore.' But the day after making such a statement, he contradicted himself, saying, 'The Awami League is not a party that will disappear, it will rise again.' He even urged party members to remain calm and prepare for the future.
There is a saying, 'If an elephant falls into a trap, even a bat kicks it.' After Sheikh Hasina fled, many have said many things about her. Miscreants, who clung to the students' movement, even held a march with her undergarments. They didn't just stop at her undergarments; a section of miscreants raised filthy slogans with various attire like blouses and sarees. The people of the country had barely forgotten those scenes when the President of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangabir Kader Siddiqui, said, 'Sheikh Hasina and Bangabandhu are not the same. I hope this government will investigate who set fire to Bangabandhu's house and conduct a proper investigation. If justice is not done, this government will have to be held accountable. Bangabandhu is the honor of this country. His statue should not have been broken in this way. If the protesters have broken it, if the people on the side of the movement have broken it, then they will have to be held accountable.' Speaking about the student movement, he said, 'We have not seen such loss of life in such a short period. I think this is Bangladesh's victory. The victory of the people of Bangladesh's protest. The student movement has been steered against independence. It has been taken against Bangabandhu. It has also been taken against the Liberation War. That is why I will caution those who have been successful in the movement that the prerequisites for success are justice, good behavior towards others, and humility. Dr. Yunus has no greed for power. They have to stay in power for a logical period, and that period should not exceed two years. Dr. Yunus has only been oppressed in the past. If we could have utilized Yunus for the country, Bangladesh would have benefited even more. I hope he can fulfill people's hopes and aspirations. Since British rule until now, there has been no incident where the police fled from a station. I urge all the police to return to the stations and obey the law. If you engage in partisanship again, there will be no future for you.'
Meanwhile, during a program of the new political party, Natundhara Bangladesh NDB, the media asked me how I view the 25-year-old advisers. I responded, 'Tree, what is your name? You are known by your fruits.' I say this not just for the 25-year-old student advisers but for all the advisers, including the chief adviser. I want the prices of goods to come down, corruption to stop, and the economy to keep moving so that Bangladesh remains active. The whole nation desires a truly prosperous Golden Bangladesh. Additionally, there is a strong desire to see violence stop quickly and for freedom of speech to not be taken away by anyone. We hope we will not have to take to the streets again with slogans, 'They want to take away the language from my mouth...'
