To complete the development and security of Bangladesh, a major revolution was needed on August 5, 2024 what happened;
Examples and references from other historical contexts to illustrate how Bangladesh could do this:
1. Building A New Inclusive Government
Inclusive Leadership: Establish a transitional government that reflects the composition of its community regarding major was political, ethnic, and social groups. The ranks which this inclusivity can provide will be able to mobilize better and its support base; more extensive that all will prevent alienation while reducing the risk of counter-revolutionary activities.
South Africa Post Apartheid (1990s) Examples: Following the demise of apartheid, South Africa formed a government of national unity — drawing leaders from across racial and political areas including most significantly figures in the previously outlawed African National Congress to help ensure stability within that country.
2. Reform of the Legal and Constitution
* Constitution: Draft and enforce a new constitution based on the demands of the revolution that represents popular will, protects citizens’ rights.
* Illustration: The Revolution in Tunisia (2011): 7 years following the Arab Spring, the country adopted a new constitution in 2014 — widely viewed as having consolidated the achievements of the revolution and paved the way for stability.
First of all, the Rule Of Law: The enforcement machinery has to be bolstered in a way that no one can get away just because someone is enjoying the power circle and save Tunisia from, what may happen into anti-revolutionary waves due to the hatred for perceived unlawful practices.
3. Security and Military Reforms
Restructure the military and police to be loyal not to a past regime but rather to both Allaman, people of Malick invested unselfishly. That could mean liquidating factions that remain loyal to the discredited tyranny, or it may involve re-education of armed units in the new set of values.
* Illustrative Example: The Egyptian Revolution (2011): Where the lack of post-2013 revolution military reform resulted in a counter-revolutionary coup. Indonesia, on the other hand managed to reform its military successfully with the fall of Suharto in 1998 — a key factor that led Indonesia more or less intact.
– Intelligence and Counterintelligence: It is important to put in place a solid intelligence system to detect and mitigate any counter-revolutionary activities. However, ensure that these are legal and that no human rights abuses occur, as this will weaken the legitimacy of the post-revolutionary government.
4. Public Engagement and Reconciliation
– Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: It is useful to establish avenues of engagement, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, to address grievances, provide justice, and support healing and closure for the nation. This way, ration will not be allowed to fester and develop into anti-revolutionary action.
– Example: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa was established to address the horrors of its apartheid regime, and keep the violence of the past from manifesting itself into an uncontrollable event during the post-apartheid period.
– Public Engagement and Civic Education: To foster meaningful civic engagement and participation in civil society – civic education is useful to educate citizens about the aims of the revolution, their responsibilities, and their roles in the developing society. Coupling this with establishing public participation in governance receives great momentum when citizens feel ownership of a project, 5. Economic reforms and social welfare
• Land and resource reforms: Land reforms and equitable resource distribution must be implemented to counter economic inequality, which is a common source of unrest.
• Example: The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920): Land reforms were a principal and crucial demand of the revolution, where land redistribution allowed governments to stabilize the country during a violent time because it addressed one of the snags of the revolution.
• Social welfare program: A form of social welfare program increases access to social services by targeting the most economically vulnerable populations. By improving access to health, education, employment, and training, potential public support can be gained to counter any anti-revolutionary movements.
6. Control communication avenues
• Media reform: The state should regulate state-sponsored media sources that will prevent counter-revolutionary propaganda, while still allowing the free press to express opinion and transparency and accountability, without crossing into total censorship, as censorship breeds public discontent.
• Example: Post-Revolutionary France (1789- 1799): The revolutionary government of France has more control over the avenues of communication to spread revolutionary ideas, although total control will lead to dissatisfaction from the citizenry at a later point.
• Counter misleading narratives: Create alternative campaigns/descriptions of thoughts to counter misleading narratives, to ensure the public remains informed and supportive of the new regime. and it also diminishes the reach of counter-revolutionary ideologies.
7. International Relations and Support
* Diplomatic Engagement: Facilitating international legitimacy and support for the new government which will help deter foreign-assisted anti-revolutionary actors and outside actors may offer economic assistance for rebuilding.
* Example: The Cuban Revolution (1959): Even with international condemnation, Cuba’s government was able to obtain support from the Soviet Union, which permitted the government to survive, with stability in the face of counter-revolutionary activities.
* Regional Engagement: Reach out to neighboring countries and regional organizations in order to head off cross-border support for anti-revolutionary forces. Creating stronger regional links can also foster stability both economically and politically in the country.
8. Long-Term Vision and Flexibility
* Ongoing Reform: A new government should be agile and able to adapt to new realities, and remain in a constant state of reform. This systemic approach ensures responsiveness to citizen concerns and avoidance of any stagnation that could revive grievances previously experienced.
* Example: Rwanda post-genocide (1994): Rwanda’s government led by Paul Kagame has adapted its policies continuously in response to the economic, societal, and political climate maintaining stability and avoiding anti-revolutionary action.
Summary
To adequately reform Bangladesh post-major revolution and prevent anti-revolutionary activity, a comprehensive approach will be needed, including constructing a legitimate, inclusive government; continuing the legal and security reform; continuing public engagement and reconciliation; implementing economic and societal reform, and continuing to control the public space and international relations. Learning from historic revolutions can help advance the revolution’s relevance and success of any reforms in Bangladesh and stability over the long term.
Monirul Islam Shamim,
Legal researcher, policy analyst,
CEO of
Bangladesh Policy Research Institute
London,
31.08.2024.