The July Uprising of 2024 stands as a milestone in 21st-century Bangladesh. Sparked by demands for rational reforms in employment quotas, the movement expanded to encompass calls for political rights, freedom of speech, and ultimately, the end of a 15-year autocratic regime. This period is marked by significant sacrifices, including loss of life, injuries, and property damage. While official records cite fatalities below a thousand, actual numbers likely exceed this figure.

The mass uprising achieved two notable successes. Firstly, it led to the downfall of an oppressive and deeply corrupt government. Secondly, it inspired citizens to overcome social despondency, fostering dreams of new possibilities under a much-anticipated interim government. Although the movement began with demands for quota reforms in employment, the underlying public desire was for a political shift, specifically the cessation of autocratic rule.

Long-standing frustration, anger against despotic governance, and a collective demand for democracy coalesced into a historic uprising, resulting in the rise of the Yunus government. However, a pressing question remains: Can this new government meet public expectations? Moreover, how can citizens ensure that a new form of autocracy does not emerge?

In addressing these concerns, we can place our hopes in a new political paradigm. We aspire to a state where public opinion is given utmost importance. Transparent electoral processes should be established, enabling every citizen to vote for their preferred candidates in fair elections held every five years.

Equal application of the law for all citizens must be guaranteed. Judicial or administrative privileges based on political affiliation or economic power should be abolished. Government actions must be transparent and accountable to the public. A zero-tolerance policy towards corruption is essential. The previous regime's corrupt activities should be documented, and a white paper should be promptly published for the nation.

Instead of centralising power, authority should be decentralised to local levels, creating equal opportunities for individuals across all societal strata.

In my view, to meet public expectations amidst these challenges, the Yunus government must focus on several key areas. Foremost is restoring stability through precise planning and implementation. This includes taking decisive action against corrupt officials and employees who supported the autocratic regime and remain entrenched in various ministries, departments, and autonomous institutions. Repressive cyber security laws enacted by the previous regime should be amended or repealed to promote transparency at both institutional and individual levels. Effective measures must be taken to deliver essential services to the public, reduce unemployment, enhance productivity to strengthen economic power, and dismantle existing syndicates in import-export sectors. Perpetrators of the July movement's massacres—including politicians, officials, cadres, and their accomplices in the media, entertainment, sports, and other sectors—must face exemplary punishment. A significant challenge for this government will be preventing the emergence of authoritarian tendencies and curbing the misuse of power.

To ensure success, several measures are imperative. Strengthening institutions is crucial to shield state bodies from political influence. Decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation should involve direct participation from civil society. Safeguarding freedom of speech and ensuring freedom of expression are vital, allowing individuals to voice their thoughts and opinions without fear. Most importantly, electoral reforms are needed to make the electoral system free, impartial, and trustworthy.

Beyond governmental actions, we must consider how, as a society, we can collectively prevent the rise of autocracy in the new governance system. Every citizen should embody the ideals of civic duty. Awareness of rights and responsibilities is essential for all, regardless of educational background. We must cultivate critical perspectives and courage. Media, civil society, and informed citizens should scrutinise and critique every governmental action. The spirit of rights-based movements, exemplified by the July uprising, should be maintained. If citizens' rights are ever compromised or a new autocracy emerges, active participation in movements is necessary. Preventing the concentration of power is crucial. Constitutional reforms should ensure that power is decentralised through institutions rather than vested in individuals.

In conclusion, the July 2024 mass movement has ushered in a new dawn. However, sustaining the light of this new day is our collective responsibility. If the post-revolution Yunus government fails to meet public expectations, the sacrifices and ideals of the mass movement will be in vain. By working together and ensuring the protection of democracy, we can establish an advanced and transparent political system. In this endeavour, unwavering commitment is our only option.

The article was published on the occasion of the 15th founding anniversary of the popular Bengali daily Kaler Kantho. The writer is a second year student of the Department of Bengali Language and Literature, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).