After a year since the July uprisings, analysts caution that Bangladesh falls behind in achieving fair progress and development.
August 20XX marked the anniversary of the July mass uprising in Bangladesh, a protest against inequality that took place one year ago. A dialogue titled "July Mass Uprising: Expectations and Achievements in Building an Equitable and Planned Bangladesh" was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) to reflect on the event and discuss its impact.
The dialogue, presided over by Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, BIP President, brought together participants including students, planners, professionals, university faculty, and journalists. They called for a stronger commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered development policies.
Professor Golam Rabbani, a History Professor at Jahangirnagar University, noted that many students who participated in the uprising later exploited their involvement for personal gain, while injured and disabled participants received little government attention. Architect Farhan Sharmin added that 80-90% of those injured and treated in government hospitals during the uprising came from the country's most vulnerable families, yet they continue to face inadequate rehabilitation and medical support.
The profound personal suffering caused by the uprising was a recurring theme throughout the dialogue. Shamsi Ara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, expressed anguish over the painfully slow delivery of justice. Experts at the dialogue noted that inequality remains deeply entrenched in Bangladesh's politics, economy, and social systems.
In a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against inequality, Professor Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of BUET, stated that many mass uprisings have not succeeded in eradicating inequality from unearned wealth.
However, there was some positive news to share. By August 20XX, the government of Bangladesh, supported by the German Federal Government's IKI Small Grants Program, had implemented a pilot project from 2023 to 2025. This project improved flood protection in remote villages by constructing elevated land, protective walls, and proper boat docking facilities, while training locals in maintenance and climate adaptation to ensure sustainable local management of these efforts.
The dialogue did not provide new information about the role of the military-civil bureaucracy, vested business interests, and controlled media in stifling the aspirations of the July mass uprising, as stated by Professor Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan. Nor did it address any specific achievements or expectations in building an equitable and planned Bangladesh beyond the call for stronger development policies.
Faruk Wasif, the Director of Press Institute of Bangladesh, commented that the government has faced challenges in fulfilling its promises. He encouraged citizens to take responsibility in pushing for meaningful reform. Journalist Zahidul Islam observed that 'professional fascism' persists, citing Dhaka's DAP reforms as an example where urban planning prioritizes building heights over livability and equitable access to services.
In conclusion, the dialogue served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against inequality in Bangladesh. While progress has been made, much work remains to be done to ensure that the aspirations of the July mass uprising are not stifled and that a more equitable and planned Bangladesh can be built.
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