The mass uprising of 2024: ‘Chetona’ or true lessons?
As we reflect on the 2024 uprising, it's crucial that we learn from history—not just to shape our future, but also to ensure justice and accountability for all
It is a great pity that, in most cases, we have confined the Liberation War of 1971 solely to the realm of 'chetona' or spirit—an abstract term.
We have romanticised the context that led to the war and, most importantly, used it to serve our own interests. This manipulation has been exploited to construct a repressive government system in Bangladesh.
But we have never tried to learn from the Liberation War through a neutral and academic analysis. Had we done so, no government in this country would have ever behaved as barbarically as the erstwhile ruling party, and the Chhatra League would never have transformed into a veritable invading force like the invading Pakistani Army.
The prevailing narrative surrounding the history of the Liberation War focuses on the brutality of the Pakistani forces, the reasons to hate them and their collaborators, and the glorification of Bangali nationalism.
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While there is discussion of its political context, the lessons to be learned remain obscured. We've seen the consequences of this failure to learn in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and we are witnessing similar issues across the entire country today.
Regardless of who the alternatives may be in the coming days, I hope they will not merely use the Liberation War or the 2024 mass uprising—referred to by some as the "Second Liberation War"—to serve their own interests or for labeling purposes.
Instead, by learning true lessons from their political contexts, they may establish a reign of justice and accountability.
At the same time, we, the people, must understand that the government, political parties, and the state are different entities. If the judiciary, law enforcement, or other state institutions are not given full independence, they could one day turn into chambers of mass killing and money laundering.
The 2024 uprising teaches us that just because we were part of this movement, we should not expect undue benefits or deprive others. Nor should we think that because we were on the right side of history in 2024, the next generation cannot challenge us or question our beliefs.
Rather, 2024 should teach us how to respectfully engage with the next generation, hold dialogues with them, and understand the logic of their arguments.
May the toxic politics of labeling or tagging end with 2024. We cannot silently or vocally support a party's authoritarianism, vote rigging, injustice, or genocide simply because it aligns with our beliefs or ideals or because the opposing belief system differs from ours.
The lessons of 2024 teach us that we cannot tolerate injustice and oppression in any form. We must speak out against all forms of injustice, or else, one day, we will become the victims.
One of the key lessons of this mass uprising is that the lack of a 'check and balance' system can destroy the core institutions of a country. When critics and political parties with differing views are repressed, no one is left to point out mistakes, leading to authoritarianism.
The new interim government is already being tested, as law and order have broken down and attacks on religious minorities and Awami League politicians have occurred.
Those who support this mass movement may become agitated when social media is flooded with these news stories by the opposition. They will be tempted to be defensive when they see posts like, "Is this the freedom we wanted?"
But we must welcome these comments and try to address the actual issues. This is the check and balance system I am talking about—one that will ultimately lead to social progress.
Above all, may 2024 teach us to be free from ego and arrogance for the rest of our lives. Uprooting an autocratic government that had been ruling for 15 years is one of the greatest achievements in world history.
It is understandable that the students who led this uprising, may feel a surge of confidence. Many have already engaged in building the state, from serving as members of the cabinet to controlling traffic.
However, in this extraordinary time, they must remain humble as humility will glorify their achievement even more.
As the situation normalises, students should gradually turn to their studies and the pursuit of knowledge while staying vigilant against malpractice and corruption. Simultaneously, they should cultivate a deeper love for politics as a means of enhancing their ownership of Bangladesh.
Let 2024 live through not just our 'chetona' but also our education, our conscience, and our love for the country.
Md Zarif Rahman is a researcher and development practitioner.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
