Though the uprising initially united diverse groups with a shared goal of reform, many are now prioritising their own interests over the national interest, Information Adviser Nahid Islam today.
Nahid, a key leader of the anti-discrimination student movement during the mass uprising, gave an exclusive interview to BSS on the completion of six months of the interim government.
Talking about the current political scenario, Nahid commented on the division among the forces of the mass uprising.
Expressing frustration, he said this fragmentation had hindered progress on critical issues, particularly in terms of political unity.
“The unity that once existed has been diluted,” he said, acknowledging that this lack of cohesion poses a significant challenge to the government’s reform efforts.
“I do not believe unity has been entirely lost. We are continuing to engage in discussions to resolve disagreements and avoid returning to the divisive practices of the past.
“There are elements within the political sphere who are still involved in extortion, and some of the individuals who participated in the uprising are now engaged in such activities,” he said.
The issue of reform versus elections has also been a contentious subject, with opposition parties, particularly the BNP calling for early elections, Nahid said adding that the government does not view reform and elections as mutually exclusive but rather as complementary objectives.
Commenting on media freedom, Islam categorically said the government has not interfered with the media’s right to freely criticise its policies.
“So far, no pressure has been given on the media for criticising the government,” Nahid said.
However, he pointed out that when the government supports the concept of free media, it has asked the press to be mindful when reporting on sensitive issues like banned student organisations and individuals involved in criminal activities.
Nahid, also the posts and telecommunication adviser, acknowledged that some media outlets had become targets of social pressure and protests, but he stressed that law enforcement agencies and the government has intervened to ensure their safety.
Despite these challenges, Nahid emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a free and open media environment.
“The government encourages constructive criticism and has already implemented changes based on media feedback. We welcome logical criticism, and we will continue to make adjustments to our policies,” he said.
He also said that the role of the media has sometimes been compromised by political alignments in the past, with some outlets failing to maintain objectivity.
Nahid urged journalists to clarify the pressures they have faced, which, in his view, would help rebuild trust among the people.
He said the interim government is committed to fulfil people’s aspirations despite different types of challenges coming up, including economic and political.
“Amidst the evolving political landscape and as a part of the mass uprising, the government remains dedicated in maintaining stability, fostering unity, and addressing pressing concerns,” he told BSS.
He said, “We are committed to overcoming political challenges and creating a future that aligns with the people’s wishes.”
The government’s journey in the last six months has been tough as it had to face both internal and external conspiracies. It had to manage more than 100 movements while facing continued political pressure and dealing with economic hardships and the broken state structure, Nahid said.
Despite obstacles, Nahid expressed confidence that with continued dialogue, cooperation, and political goodwill, the six-month-old government, could achieve the change the nation so desperately seeks.
“The road ahead will not be smooth, but with the right support, the interim government hopes to lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for the country,” added Nahid, also the posts and telecommunication adviser.
Nahid said a major public concern has been the government’s handling of economic issues like rising prices of essentials, improving law and order, and ensuring trial of murderers.
“When we took over, the administration was in disarray. The bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies were in a state of chaos, and we had to rebuild those. It was not an easy task.
“The previous administration’s practices, particularly the widespread extortion and corruption, had created long-standing problems that will not disappear overnight,” Nahid said.
“The reform commissions are working to bring necessary changes to the electoral and governance systems. These reforms must be implemented before elections… Otherwise, the mistakes of the past will be repeated,” he said.
