The Turmoil After Revolution: A Trial of Patience and Tolerance

Revolution and Its Aftermath: The True Test of Patience and Resilience

• Revolutions in History:

  • Revolutions are often romanticized as the climax of an oppressed people’s fight for justice.
  • In reality, they mark not just the fall of a regime but the destruction of an entire system—both good and bad—leading to uncertainty.

• The Challenge of Transition:

  • A newly born system is weak, vulnerable, and chaotic.
  • The world has seen countless uprisings followed by disorder—the French Revolution of 1789 led to the Reign of Terror, the Russian Revolution of 1917 brought purges, and the Arab Spring left many nations struggling for stability.

• Bangladesh’s Moment of Uncertainty:

  • The "July Revolution" has shaken the country's existing power structure.
  • A system, though flawed yet familiar, has been uprooted, creating a psychological and administrative vacuum.
  • The real challenge now is navigating the transition with patience and resilience.

• Lessons from History:

  • France overcame post-revolution chaos under Napoleon, who restored order while preserving revolutionary ideals.
  • South Africa avoided civil war after apartheid through Mandela’s leadership in patience and reconciliation.
  • Japan rebuilt from World War II devastation with discipline, emerging as a global power.

• The Role of Leadership in Stability:

  • Strong leadership is essential to maintaining order, reassuring the people, and rebuilding institutions.
  • Effective governance determines whether a revolution leads to progress or prolonged instability.

• The Power of Patience in Nation-Building:

  • Ancient philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius emphasized resilience in adversity.
  • Islamic philosophy regards patience (Sabr) as a strength, with Hazrat Ali (RA) stating, “Even if it takes a long time, the patient do not lose victory.”
  • Patience is not passivity; it is the ability to endure difficulty while working toward long-term progress.

• The Role of the People:

  • Ordinary citizens play a decisive role in stabilizing a nation.
  • Japan’s post-war recovery and Bangladesh’s resilience during the 1971 Liberation War and later democratic struggles highlight the power of endurance.

• A Nation’s Defining Test:

  • Every revolution tests not just leaders but the people.
  • The collapse of an old system creates uncertainty, but with patience and tolerance, it becomes an opportunity for lasting reform.
  • True change comes not through impulsive reactions but through steady, determined progress.

• The Path Forward for Bangladesh:

  • The country stands at a crossroads—descend into chaos or embrace patience to shape a stable future.
  • A revolution’s success is not defined by the fall of a regime but by what replaces it.
  • The choice now lies with the people: will they choose disorder, or will they choose resilience?