The Morsi Foundation for Democracy is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Bangladesh in the wake of the inspiring student-led movement that led to the departure of the authoritarian leader, Sheikh Hasina Wazed. Recent developments, particularly the agreement among student movement leaders to appoint Professor Muhammad Yunus as the head of the interim government, mark a notable step forward for the nation.
The Foundation commends the efforts of civil society organizations and the steps taken thus far. However, the Foundation underscores that these positive developments should be anchored in a comprehensive national consensus to ensure that the country does not regress to previous autocratic practices. It emphasizes the critical importance of establishing a clear and inclusive roadmap for the democratic transition, safeguarding against any attempt to circumvent the people’s demands, and creating a robust national framework to prevent external interference.
Moreover, the Foundation calls for the immediate expansion of political freedoms, including the right to establish political parties and organizations, and the swift removal of corrupt elements and enemies of democracy from state institutions. This process must avoid causing polarization and chaos, which could inadvertently lead to the return of the old regime, whose remnants continue to hold positions within the state apparatus.
The current phase is deemed more perilous and challenging than the previous one, due to the risk of a setback that could lead to a counter-revolution, exploiting the poor economic conditions in a country impoverished by a corrupt and oppressive regime that has ruled for decades.
Morsi Foundation for Democracy