Dear AUW Students, Faculty, Staff and other members of the wider AUW Community,

Bangladesh has (once again) experienced a veritable revolution. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who took over the mantle of the nation’s assassinated founder and first president (and her own father) Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ruled over this country for 20 years, with an interregnum of just five years when another party was elected to serve, has resigned on August 5 amidst widespread popular unrest. This marks a turning point in our nation’s history, as her resignation came in response to massive protests, the scale and intensity of which ultimately breached even her official residence. Sheikh Hasina has since left Bangladesh and is reportedly seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.

The catalyst for this upheaval was a student-led protest against the controversial “Quota Policy,” which reserved civil service jobs for various groups, including the descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 Liberation War. Many viewed this policy as a form of nepotism that primarily benefited affiliates of the ruling party. While the Supreme Court eventually intervened to revise the policy, the damage had been done—hundreds of innocent lives were lost, including at least 32 children as reported by UNICEF.  The Bangladesh Army took a decidedly passive role.

The rest has now become history.  In the aftermath, an interim government is expected to be formed under the leadership of Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus, with elections to follow. As we move forward, we must remember the lives lost in this profound moment and ensure that justice is served. The memories of those who suffered must be honored, and their sacrifices should drive us toward a better future.

This political turmoil occurs at a time when Bangladesh is facing significant economic and social challenges. The economy is faltering, foreign exchange reserves are dwindling, and debt servicing costs are rising due to global interest rate increases which then takes away resources from vital investments in areas like health and education. The decision to transition Bangladesh from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status has also had economic consequences, particularly in the form of higher interest rates. Income inequality has surged, with a small elite controlling a disproportionate share of resources, often through corrupt means. Meanwhile, once-respected institutions have become increasingly politicized, and the country’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region is attracting unwelcome international attention, reminiscent of the old African proverb, “When elephants fight, it is the ants that get crushed.”

Is there still hope for Bangladesh?  I, a lifelong partisan, would say resoundingly “Yes!”.  Since gaining independence in 1971, when it was one of the world’s poorest countries, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress. Today, it has surpassed even its larger neighbor in per capita income. As another Bengali Nobel Laureate, the economist Amartya Sen, has has highlighted Bangladesh’s achievements in women’s empowerment and public health, which are unparalleled in the region. The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that characterizes the Bangladeshi people will continue to drive the country forward.

I am not a believer in proud nationalism of any type anywhere, but, of all things, I am most grateful for Bangladesh’s commitment to religious and ethnic harmony.  Throughout our history, we have avoided the tyranny of the majority, especially with respect to our religious and ethnic minorities. Every Hindu, every Buddhist, every Christian, every Muslim is equal under the laws and any attempt to undermine the rights and protections of our religious and ethnic minorities must be met with unwavering resolve.  If we fail here, we will have lost a core part of the Bengali soul.  Anybody who even attempts to breach our communal harmony should be treated with utmost contempt; our law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant in these tumultuous times to protect the secular values that have long been a cornerstone of our society. The moment Bangladesh loses its long-held values of secularity, it will be shunted down into a path of ignominy.  The new government must extend its greatest protection to those who are the weakest and vulnerable in the society while it holds the abusers of power and unjust privilege accountable through the due process of law.

As we navigate these uncertain times, let us also take the opportunity to extend our compassion and solidarity to the Rohingya community. They have suffered enough humiliation and violence.  I have seen the faces of countless Rohingya girls, and the light in their eyes is no different from that of my own daughter. We must free them from the confines of the refugee camps, which serve as grim reminders of oppression. The open sky that belongs to us must be theirs as well.

In revolutionary fervor, the Thermidor always rushes to mete out justice.  Let us pursue justice and accountability but let us not mar our sense of fairness by denying even the most despicable criminal his/her full right to all elements of due process.  Otherwise, we will have failed ourselves:  the children of revolution, as the old saying goes, will have devoured the revolution.

In peace and solidarity,