"In any event, we must remember that it's not the blinded wrongdoers who are primarily responsible for the triumph of evil in the world, but the spiritually sighted servants of the good." - Fyodor Stepun, *Forgone and Gone Forever*
A prolonged gaze at the streets of Dhaka reveals a harsh reality. Despite over fifty years of independence and a history filled with uprisings that were driven by promises of change, the people of Bangladesh remain in a similar condition-destitute or close to destitution. The political morality of the country seems largely unaffected by this. The July revolution may, however, have something to say about it, though the true test lies in its ability to bring about meaningful change. "Change must be moulded," as the writer notes.
The general intellectual vacuum among the people appears to be the root cause of the slogan-driven, often immoral politics in Bangladesh. Political theories, which should provide a foundation for action, have long been undermined by a focus on pragmatism, making it easy to dismiss ideologies for the sake of short-term benefits. This overemphasis on practicality has caused the movement to shift away from intellectual depth. The revolution, however, must remember that politics, by nature, is intellectual.
Unfortunately, the revolution seems to have turned into a form of reactionary assertiveness, which may not be enough to bring about lasting change. A revolution must be informed by a deep understanding of the issues at hand. Bangladesh has yet to produce a statesman of international stature, and the reason is simple: a deep-seated aversion to classical political concepts. Many leaders are focused merely on "getting through the day" rather than understanding the population's needs and history. This lack of intellectual depth has led to increasingly harsh political opposition and a political culture that continually lowers standards.
As the "native hue of reaction" fades, a constructive revolution must begin. It is important to encourage "dissent" within the movement, allowing for ideological differences that foster reflection. The lack of a clear guiding ideology has kept the country in its status as a Least Developed Country (LDC). Without higher aims, ones more rooted in the nation's unique history and values, the movement risks drifting aimlessly.
The July uprising was born from widespread dissatisfaction, largely driven by unemployment. As the country faces a large, young, and unemployed population, the revolution must find ways to create employment and address the ticking time bomb of discontent. Furthermore, public recruitment processes must be fair and transparent to ensure equality of opportunity. By maintaining a steady ideological consistency, rather than reacting in a knee-jerk manner, Bangladesh can achieve the political stability needed for growth. Such stability will attract businesses, foster investment, and ultimately create jobs.
The movement must understand that it cannot build the state by simply opposing everything that is rational. Throughout history, public opinion has been fluid, and sovereignty, despite its idealistic roots, is still an important tenet of political philosophy. The revolution must also avoid deifying the past, which has historically led to dangerous consequences.
The proliferation of social media adds another layer of complexity. Social media, owned by corporations, has the power to manipulate public opinion, which poses a severe threat to the state's ability to make rational decisions. In this environment, the revolution must steer the general population away from distractions and focus on real issues, such as environmental degradation and other pressing concerns.
One of the key environmental issues facing Bangladesh is the severe pollution caused by local authorities and industries. Waste is dumped into rivers and canals, and brick kilns remove topsoil from farmland. Plastic waste has buried the soil, and industries regularly dump untreated chemicals into water bodies. The revolution must address this environmental insensitivity. Globalist production and consumption methods must be regulated, or the revolution risks becoming just another client of the free market. If the revolution does not take action, it will become yet another casualty of a system that prioritizes profit over environmental well-being.
Additionally, the movement must examine the traditional agricultural practices in Bangladesh. Agriculture has been an essential part of the economy, but it is being undermined by lax regulations, the overuse of pesticides, and the modification of genetic sequences. These practices endanger public health and biodiversity. The revolution must focus on these issues, ensuring that the methods employed by the Ministry of Agriculture are both beneficial to public health and supportive of the nation's long-term sustainability.
A revolution that fails to address the welfare of religious and ethnic minority communities, however, will not be a true revolution. The digital sphere is rife with misinformation, which, if left unchecked, can lead to mass hysteria and mob mentality. While it is important to question narratives, it is equally important to recognize the validity of legitimate protests, especially when they are aimed at protecting the rights of marginalized communities. A revolution is not about serving convenience or chasing after false conspiracies.
Independence, particularly the independence of the judiciary, remains essential. The judiciary must be free from external influences, and any provisions that limit this independence, such as contempt of court laws, must be discarded immediately. Only then can the judiciary function as an ethical entity that is not beholden to the whims of the political system.
Finally, the revolution must not only focus on the material aspects of governance but also on the moral and ethical principles that guide it. Sciences and the arts must work together to shape the political landscape of a new Bangladesh. In government hospitals, for example, the dignity of the common person must take precedence, ensuring that they receive treatment that is not just medically sound but also respectful.
A specific mechanism for civilian oversight of military and defense spending is also essential. As Angela Merkel once noted, "security" is not just a military issue-it is a social issue. Only by addressing the full spectrum of issues, both material and moral, can the revolution succeed in transforming Bangladesh into a truly independent and prosperous nation.
The writer is a former student of law at the University of Dhaka
