Before looking at others, let’s first look in the mirror

If it has taken 54 years for a nation to descend into decay, how can we expect it to be transformed in just one year? If the people of Bangladesh truly wish to become free from corruption, honest, educated, just, and creative, can that really happen within a single year?
The truth is—one cannot extinguish the fire of 54 years of corruption in a single year and expect good outcomes.

The reality is that not a single political activist can, hand on heart, claim to have done something genuinely good over the past nine months. While a globally renowned figure like Dr. Muhammad Yunus has dedicated these nine months entirely to building a better Bangladesh, we see no political leader who has sincerely supported or assisted his efforts.

No visible steps have been taken by political parties to do anything meaningful. I believe that as long as Dr. Yunus remains in good health, we must show him respect and learn from his integrity, management skills, and global credibility. At the same time, it is essential to identify all corrupt individuals and criminals in the country. Let’s stop wasting time focusing only on the Awami League—bring the corrupt and violent elements from BNP, Jamaat, and other parties to justice as well. Then conduct a truly neutral election—that’s the path to success.

Otherwise, mark my words: “same old bottle, same old wine.” Political parties are trying to confuse the nation with various election gimmicks. Has anyone investigated what diplomatic plots or hidden agendas may be behind these tactics? Or are we all blindly watching this political theater?

The fall of the Awami League on August 5 was the result of years of corruption, looting, and misgovernance. Their leaders and activists were forced to flee the country, yet the reins of power remain in their hands. From the President down to every administrative level, the Awami League’s toxic roots are still entrenched.

So here's the question—why are those who once supported the Awami League being barred from participating in politics? Why hasn’t the interim government given a clear directive on this matter? Today, even though Awami League leaders are off the streets, corruption, terrorism, and extortion have increased. If this plundering isn’t stopped, the question remains—was the so-called fall of tyranny just a staged play? Who is fooling whom?

Open your eyes to today’s reality—plundering is on the rise, lawlessness is at its peak, and corruption looms like a monster.
The students who once blocked roads in protest have now turned into a generation of destructive criminals. Where is their patriotism? Where is the spirit of sacrifice?

The bitter truth is—so much bloodshed, so many sacrifices—was it all just to change the face of corruption? The world hasn’t forgotten—have the people been betrayed once again?
In the past, the Awami League clung to power by acting as India’s proxy. Now BNP and Jamaat are just as desperate to become India’s pawns. What’s going on? What’s the real intention? Or has the nation simply become a marketplace for betrayal?

Dr. Yunus, with his upright independence, is the reason these political forces haven’t yet sold out to powerful foreign interests—and that is their real frustration. That’s why they’re trying to create political unrest and demand rushed elections.

Even during Sheikh Hasina’s time, I wrote from abroad. Not all of my articles were published then either, but at least 60% of the uncomfortable truths saw the light of day. And now? Not even 30% gets published—and when it does, it’s often removed.

If you don’t believe me, just look at Kalbela newspaper. So don’t try to convince me that Bangladesh has become a paradise after the fall of the Awami League—it hasn’t. And it won’t, not like this.

If a truly patriotic force had united under the leadership of an honest figure like Dr. Yunus, change would have been possible. But today, Bangladesh has lost that collective mindset. Politics has become a new brand of corruption, and patriotism a license for looting.

There’s still time—those who truly love Bangladesh, rise up. Otherwise, this motherland will be sold off forever to thugs and opportunists. If my words resonate with you, then let’s give it our all—just once, with full sincerity. Then you’ll see how the fertile, abundant land of Bangladesh can enrich our lives with the gifts of nature.

Even though we don’t have vast mineral resources, we have the flowing lifeblood of the Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna rivers. Their waters fertilize our soil, giving rise to rice, jute, vegetables, fruits, and hundreds of crops. Hilsa fish, betel nuts, coconuts, rice, and winter crops—these are our true treasures. Focus on them. We are a nation of over 170 million. Don’t turn these people into thieves—turn them into citizens of character. Only then will we gain respect in the eyes of the world.

Instead of wasting time chanting “elections, elections,” let’s focus on real, practical work. Let’s move forward with mutual cooperation. You’ll see—we can all thrive together.

Finally, to the new generation: I’ve lived abroad for forty years, yet never wasted a grain of my country’s resources. I’ve always tried to contribute something good to the nation, as an honest, dedicated, and creative human being. I never expected anything in return, nor do I return to the country.

If I can do it, so can you. After all, you are the ones benefiting from everything the country has to offer—you should care more than I do, right?
I am the owner of this country. I’ve entrusted my rights to you. In return, I have only one hope: that you become better. Now is the time to reform ourselves and rebuild this country—because this land belongs to us all.

Rahman Mridha is a researcher and former Director at Pfizer, Sweden