A year after Sheikh Hasina's ouster, hope fast fading in Bangladesh

Time of India

a day ago

DEHRADUN: As Bangladesh marks one year of the ouster of
Sheikh Hasina
's Awami League govt on Tuesday, some of its citizens TOI talked to expressed disappointment over the trajectory the country has taken in the past year.
Many, including students, businesspersons and members of the Hindu community, said their expectations of social reforms and justice were far from being met and hoped elections would be held soon for stability.
Tanbirul Miraj Ripon, who works with human rights organisations, expressed his concern about the 'drastic deterioration of communal harmony'. "Attacks on minorities that started after the ouster of Hasina govt are still happening.
Another cause for concern is the rising mob culture," he said.
A trader, Dhrubo, claimed minorities were "living in constant fear." "The intensity of attacks against minorities is not the same as it was last year, but is still happening. About a week ago, around 20-30 families in Rungpur city were attacked by a mob over allegations of blasphemous posts on social media. The mob indulged in arson and violence," he said. "It is like a fight for survival for us as the country is also witnessing an unchecked rise of radical organisations like Hizb-ut-Tahrir and Jamaat-e-Islami," he added.
The country is also facing economic challenges, with unemployment increasing. Samir-ul-Hasan, who runs a software firm with 10 employees in Dhaka, said, "Our firm used to mainly cater to govt departments, but now business is not even 50% of what it used to be. We are unable to give salaries."
Bilateral relations are also in troubled waters with growing anti-India sentiment among the public. "They believe it was India which supported Hasina's oppressive regime, and now not agreeing to the interim govt's demand of sending her back to face justice.
One can see graffiti all around Dhaka giving calls to 'boycott India'. Hasina taking refuge in India remains a bone of contention," said Ferdous Alamgir, a student at Dhaka University.
Despite challenges, Ripon claimed there was now more accountability in those in power. "They are now more sensitive towards public criticism of any of their policies. Another positive change is the rising political awareness among youths," said Ripon.
A young media professional, Tanvir Hasan, meanwhile, had high hopes for the country's future.
'We have been overcoming challenges for the betterment of country ever since we got independent in 1971. We will overcome this too and ensure justice and equal rights for all the citizens irrespective of religion or creed,' said Hasan.