The recent brutal incident in Muradnagar, Cumilla has shaken the entire nation to its core. It has forced us to confront a fundamental question: Is this country truly for all of us? Shockingly, instead of seeking justice, some are digging into the political affiliations of the accused. But these individuals should be known for what they truly are—criminals, dangerous to society, not partisans.
What kind of Bangladesh did we dream of post-July Revolution? A nation free from discrimination, grounded in equality and justice. Yet, if we look back over the past 11 months, we are left with nothing but disillusionment and despair. The Muradnagar incident is not isolated—it is the latest manifestation of the lawlessness and mob violence that have gripped the country.
Though the government swiftly dealt with the tragic murder of young Asiya last year, justice alone cannot curb such atrocities if the rule of law and structural integrity do not prevail. Lawlessness has now become a norm, with some even justifying mob justice. Repeated government appeals have fallen on deaf ears, and the failure to rein in violence reflects poorly on leadership.
Women—central to the July Revolution—now find themselves in an increasingly unsafe nation. From harassment to public humiliation, women are being shamed and attacked regularly, and the government has failed to respond adequately. Though the interim government may have limited authority, it must not allow such conditions to fester.
The business community fares no better. Following the August uprising, many enterprises were looted and burned. Businesspeople now face fabricated legal harassment and even false murder charges. This has led to economic paralysis—industrialists are demoralised, and the private sector is being suffocated.
Meanwhile, public administration is in chaos. Unilateral decisions, such as changes to civil service regulations, fall outside the remit of an interim government. The revenue system has collapsed due to prolonged shutdowns at the National Board of Revenue, with tax collection halted nationwide.
Widespread disruption, protest, and economic stagnation are fuelling growing public discontent. Citizens wonder—Is this their Bangladesh? In attempting to correct inequality, we have arrived at a new form of discrimination. Instead of a democracy, we are drifting toward mob rule.
To reverse course, power must be handed over to elected representatives swiftly. Yet even that remains mired in ambiguity. The public had hoped the London meeting between the Chief Adviser and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would yield a clear roadmap. But that promise remains unfulfilled.
There’s a frustrating lack of transparency—why the silence about the Jamuna meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner? Why the hesitation in announcing a credible election roadmap?
The National Consensus Commission is wasting time. Some members appear intent on imposing top-down solutions. This must stop. The Chief Adviser’s foremost duty is to steer the country towards elections. The longer the delay, the deeper the anarchy. Violence against women will escalate, mob justice will proliferate, and the economy will collapse further.
This interim government clearly cannot resolve these crises. Only an election can restore normalcy. But even the electoral process is now being clouded with confusing proposals—from proportional representation to referenda, local government polls to a constituent assembly. This chaotic mix suggests deliberate obfuscation.
This government, once buoyed by massive public support, is losing its credibility. People are struggling to survive—income has dried up while prices soar. Celebrating remittance figures alone is not enough. The only path forward is a credible, inclusive, and transparent election.
If political parties withdraw their support, the interim government will stand on nothing. A vacuum will follow, creating the perfect storm for chaos. No one wants that. We don’t want a country for the few—we want a country for all.
And that begins with listening to everyone. And that requires one thing: a free, fair, and participatory national election.
The writer is a playwright and columnist. Email: [email protected]
