July aspirations betrayed, old order returns

The aspirations of the July uprising had been betrayed, said writer-researcher Altaf Parvez yesterday alleging that Bangladesh had returned to its old economic, political and administrative order.

He was addressing a discussion titled “An Unfinished Tale of Reform: Expectations, Failures, and Future Questions”, organised by Reading Club Trust at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka to mark the uprising’s second anniversary.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

To realise the uprising’s aspirations, Bangladesh needs a charter for change and a united front of organisations representing different classes and professions, he said.

Altaf said the failure of post-July reforms was not merely an institutional issue, and the political causes behind the “failure” and “betrayal” must also be examined.

The absence of a revolutionary organisation, clear programme and unity among change-oriented groups allowed right-wing forces to expand their influence, he added.

He said graffiti from the July uprising should be treated as political documents reflecting the movement’s aspirations.

Altaf said public pressure had forced the interim government to form 11 reform commissions, but several key recommendations were left out of the national consensus process.

He criticised parliament for focusing during its first two sessions on “who owns 1971 and who owns 2024” instead of addressing the uprising’s demands. A parliament dominated by millionaires and lacking representation of workers, farmers, women and minorities would struggle to challenge oligarchies, market syndicates and bureaucracy, he said.

Asif Mohammad Shahan, a Dhaka University professor, said the uprising’s aspiration for structural transformation had only been partially realised.

He said the interim government failed to give citizens ownership of the reform agenda.

Moshahida Sultana Ritu, also of DU, echoed him.+