Bangladesh should avoid repeating past injustices

A Year of Change, A Test for Justice

A year ago, I had the privilege of meeting Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who was then facing relentless legal harassment under Sheikh Hasina’s government. During our conversation, he spoke passionately about the vital role of the media in exposing injustices—something he deeply believed in. Now, just a year later, he stands in a dramatically different position: as the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government. His appointment brings renewed hope for a nation in transition.

As a global advocate for social justice, economic empowerment, and human dignity, Professor Yunus has long embodied ethical leadership. Now, with him at the helm of the interim government, Bangladesh has a historic opportunity to break from past injustices and move toward a more just and democratic future. However, for those who expected immediate change, recent events have been deeply disheartening.

A stark example is the case of journalists Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed. Arrested on August 21, 2024, at Dhaka airport while preparing to board a flight to France—where they had been invited by Reporters Without Borders—the couple has been detained without bail ever since, facing wrongful murder charges. Their next bail hearing is set for February 10.

Justice for the July Revolution Cannot Mean More Injustice

The charges against Rupa and Shakil accuse them of involvement in the killing of protesters during the July revolution. Yet, at the time of the alleged crime, they were not in the streets of Dhaka but at their office in Baridhara, working for Ekattor TV. There is no evidence linking them to the violence, no credible testimony against them—only what appear to be politically motivated charges. Their case is a chilling reminder of Bangladesh’s long history of suppressing independent journalism.

The July revolution was a defining moment in Bangladesh’s modern history, revealing the deep democratic aspirations of its people. Led by students and young activists, it was a movement of courage, demanding democracy and accountability. Those who lost their lives fighting for a better Bangladesh deserve justice. But justice cannot be achieved through arbitrary arrests and wrongful prosecutions. Imprisoning innocent journalists not only destroys lives but also undermines the very ideals the revolution stood for.

Disappointingly, the interim government has so far echoed the same dismissive stance once taken by Sheikh Hasina’s administration: “We have nothing to do with it; the victims filed the cases, and it’s up to the judiciary.” This response was unacceptable then, and it remains unacceptable now. If this government is truly committed to reform, it cannot stand by while the justice system continues to be weaponized against innocent people.

A Judiciary in Crisis—A Government with a Choice

Bangladesh’s judiciary is undergoing long-overdue reforms, yet the legal system remains in crisis. Corruption, political influence, and human rights abuses have plagued the courts for years. This is precisely why the interim government must take an active role in ending politically motivated prosecutions.

At the very least, one of Rupa and Shakil’s bail applications must be granted so that their minor children are not left without parental care. For nearly six months, they have been denied not only a fair trial but also the basic humanitarian consideration every defendant deserves.

Professor Yunus has dedicated his life to justice, human rights, and dignity. Now, in his new role, he has the power to ensure that Bangladesh does not continue the cycle of repression. The international community will be watching. The people of Bangladesh—especially those who risked everything for democracy—deserve better.

As the country navigates this fragile transition, it faces a defining choice: Will it break free from the injustices of the past, or will it repeat them?

The fate of Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed may hold the answer.