To make change meaningful, the current government must avoid the mistakes that led to criticism of its predecessor. For instance, the ongoing use of baseless and politically motivated lawsuits undermines public trust.
If false accusations and frivolous lawsuits continue to be wielded as tools for political advantage or to silence opponents, how can we genuinely claim to walk the path of meaningful change, as envisioned by the people?
Legal action is justifiable against actual offenders, but indiscriminate or widespread harassment through fabricated cases serves no purpose. This practice has caused untold distress, disrupting the social and family lives of many innocent individuals.
Alarmingly, in most cases, the plaintiff does not know the accused, nor does the accused recognize the plaintiff. Often, the plaintiff resides in one city, such as Dhaka, while the accused lives in a distant location like Khulna. Such cases inevitably raise questions about their merit.
Reports in the media have highlighted rampant “case trading,” where these lawsuits are exploited for profit. Following public criticism, the interim government promised that not all cases would be processed indiscriminately.
They assured that cases would be reviewed, and unnecessary ones dismissed. Yet, six months into the government’s tenure, there has been little progress. When will this review process be completed?
If lawsuits continue to be used as instruments of repression, as they were under the previous government, similar criticisms and questions will arise, both domestically and internationally.
The problem extends beyond lawsuits. Travel restrictions have been imposed on many individuals, often without clear justification. If these restrictions are unjust or oppressive, why have they not been promptly reviewed and resolved?
The interim government came into power as a result of public uprising and demand for change. Now it must demonstrate that it is fundamentally different from its predecessor. Its words and actions must reflect the promise of change.
Failure to do so will inevitably lead to a resurgence of the same issues and unrest that plagued the past. This outcome is neither desirable nor acceptable.
Whenever change occurs, ordinary people expect to live with dignity, security, and peace, free from fear and oppression, and with all their democratic and civil rights intact. To make change meaningful, these fundamental principles must guide governance.