The July Uprising of 2024 was not an isolated event in Bangladesh. Rather, it was the culmination of nearly two decades of democratic struggle.
Domestic and foreign policy
Bangladesh has a long and strong history of striving for democracy. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which is currently in government, has consistently advocated democracy and contributed to efforts to build an inclusive society in which freedom of speech, social harmony, the rule of law, and human rights are upheld. This principle is also reflected in the government’s public programmes. At the beginning of major state functions, verses and teachings from the Koran, the Gita, the Tripitaka, and the Bible are presented, reflecting the government’s stated commitment to respecting citizens of all faiths equally. For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the Tarique Rahman government has appointed Bijon Kanti Sarkar as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, with the status of a state Minister and responsibility for minority rights. The appointment is intended to strengthen institutional attention to minority concerns and provide a channel through which their issues can be brought directly to the Prime Minister’s attention. Another significant social-welfare initiative is the provision of allowances to religious representatives serving in mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries, and churches. The policy is intended to recognise religious institutions across communities on an equal basis and demonstrate the government’s commitment to treating citizens from all faiths with equal dignity. This understanding has also been reflected in the government’s symbolic initiatives. He also named the main entrance of Parliament after General M.A.G. Osmani, the commander-in-chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The government’s domestic policy priority is to ensure quality education and proper health care for every citizen. As a delta nation, it also prioritises sustainable development and environmental conservation. It focuses on job creation, social welfare, human development, economic diplomacy, global trade, and strategic partnerships around the world. Regarding foreign policy, the government believes in putting Bangladesh first and adopting a self-respecting, active, and responsible global position based on equality, fairness, and mutual respect. The founder of the BNP, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, was a proponent of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and the party continues to prioritise making SAARC more effective. Bangladesh’s current government promotes friendly bilateral relations with other countries, including its neighbours, on the basis of sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual benefit. Shahadat Shadhin is Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The views expressed are personal
After assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman named galleries in Parliament in honour of the heroes of 1971 and 2024.
