Ahmed Swapan Mahmud
Bangladesh stands at a critical crossroads in its political transition. The July uprising had ignited immense hopes and aspirations across the nation. But today, that initial unity teeters on the brink of fragmentation. The movement briefly brought together diverse political and civic forces, all committed to restoring democratic governance. Yet, only months later, this fragile consensus has begun to unravel, as old habits of rivalry and mistrust resurface among the political fronts.
The July uprising united students, political parties, and civil society under the singular demand to end fascist rule. However, instead of consolidating democratic momentum, the political scene has become mired in verbal attacks, public denunciations, and a collapse of political decorum. Most troubling is the growing climate of suspicion and hostility, which risks erupting into violence and derailing the nation’s hopes for democratic renewal.
A major source of tension lies in the widening discord between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), as well as the latter’s emerging alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. While the BNP has long been the principal opposition force, the rise of the NCP—spearheaded by a new generation of student activists—initially injected fresh energy into the political landscape. Yet, the NCP has faltered under the weight of inexperience, poor leadership choices, and an alarming drift toward political opportunism.
Allegations of financial misconduct against some NCP leaders, their extravagant lifestyles, and ostentatious displays of power have rapidly eroded public trust. Images of lavish car parades and Iftar parties at five-star hotels have struck a dissonant chord with a public yearning for modesty and moral leadership. Even more damaging are reports of covert coordination between the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami—a party still burdened by its past complicity in war crimes, opposition to women’s rights, and history of religiously motivated repression.
This budding alliance has deeply disillusioned many, particularly the youth who were instrumental in the uprising. A movement once grounded in secular, democratic reform now appears entangled with forces historically opposed to those very ideals. Jamaat’s politics, rooted in religious orthodoxy and anti-progressive stances, remain fundamentally incompatible with the pluralistic aspirations of modern Bangladesh. For many, the NCP’s apparent embrace of Jamaat signals a betrayal of the principles that once fueled the movement.
The BNP, too, is not without fault. Accusations of internal factionalism, turf wars, and extortion have plagued some local leaders. The party leadership has responded with disciplinary measures, including expulsions of corrupt members. Yet, the damage to its public image remains, compounded by a sophisticated propaganda campaign portraying the BNP as aligned with foreign interests, particularly India. This narrative, pushed by a coordinated network both domestically and internationally, seeks to undermine the BNP’s credibility at a moment when it seems best positioned to guide the nation through this delicate transition.
The role of Chief Advisor Prof. Dr. Yunus in this political chessboard has also come under intense scrutiny. His perceived favoritism toward the NCP—a party still in its infancy—has raised serious concerns about the neutrality of the transitional authority. His apparent preferential access for NCP leaders at Jamuna, while sidelining BNP representatives, has created a growing sense of imbalance.
This perception was further fueled by Dr. Yunus’s recent remarks in Japan, where his tone toward the BNP was notably critical. His silence regarding the controversial exclusion of Dhaka South Mayor Ishraque Hossain from key civic discussions has only deepened BNP supporters’ frustration. Most notably, Dr. Yunus’s apparent willingness to consider NCP-Jamaat proposals for an April election—while dismissing the BNP’s proposed December timeline—has exacerbated fears that the electoral process may be skewed in favor of certain actors, risking national unity.
In this fraught context, Dr. Yunus’s upcoming visit to London has taken on immense political significance. His scheduled meeting with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairperson of the BNP, on June 13 could prove pivotal in resetting the tone of national politics. If approached with statesmanship and sincerity, the meeting could pave the way for compromise—potentially agreeing on elections to be held by February or March under a genuinely neutral arrangement.
The stakes are high. This is not merely a meeting between two individuals; it represents a critical opportunity to restore the democratic credibility of the transition. Bangladesh needs an inclusive election that ensures the participation of all major political actors, including the BNP. Their exclusion or marginalization would not only delegitimize the process but also risk plunging the country into long-term instability.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has suggested that this juncture could mark a historic turning point. If the Chief Advisor and Tarique Rahman can find common ground, it may open a window for broader political reconciliation, administrative reform, and a peaceful transition to elected governance.
At its core, politics is the art of negotiation, not domination. The past year has demonstrated that no single party or ideology can monopolize the people’s aspirations. For a democratic transition to succeed, it must be anchored in consensus, not coercion—in dialogue, not diktat. This requires humility from all sides: an acceptance that leadership demands both listening and leading.
As Bangladesh looks to the future, the June 13 meeting could either mark the beginning of a renewed national consensus or further entrench divisions that are already hardening. The choice lies with our political leaders. And the responsibility lies with us all.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud is an award-winning poet and renowned human rights activist.
[The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bangladesh Now. The publication bears no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements made or for any potential consequences arising from the content.]
