B ANGLADESH’S interim government led by Nobel Laureate Mr. Mohammad Yunus has announced the birth of a ‘new Bangladesh’ with the signing of a joint declaration called the July Charter aiming at multiple reforms in different sectors. The development has met with fierce protests in the country as a section of political leaders and students are terming the July Charter as a lop-sided document not addressing numerous concerns. The country is again gripped in protest and lawlessness after last year’s uprising that saw the exit of former Prime Minister Ms. Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government. The July Charter is bound to create more ripples in Bangladesh and might lead to fresh trouble on the lines of the Gen Z protests that are rocking various countries around the globe.

 

The July Charter, signed by 25 political parties, was drafted after marathon meetings between the National Consensus Commission headed by Mr. Yunus and political parties barring Ms. Hasina’s Awami League. It contains over 80 reform proposals for different sectors seeking balance amongall organs of the State and paving way for people to fully realise and enjoy their democratic, human, and other fundamental rights. Mr. Yunus is confident that through full implementation of the July Charter, a strong democratic society, government, and State will be built in Bangladesh through democratic reforms within the State structure. It is a highly ambitious document signed by the political class but comes with many subtle messages to the Bangladesh people as well as a neighbour like India.

 

The protests that have erupted in the country with road blockades planned on Sunday show that all that is projected as reforms might be concealing much of what the Charter is revealing. For Mr. Yunus, it will be a tricky path to fully implement the July Charter. Already under pressure over his stubborn stand on conducting fresh elections, the Nobel laureate economist has been facing flak for his growing inclination towards Pakistan and China. He has been seen as a sympathiser of Pakistan’s ISI, opening channels for the operatives to form contact with Bangladesh’s Army.

 

The development has not gone down well with the 1971 War veterans who are constantly facing neglect from the interim government. In wake of this fluid situation, the reforms planned in the July Charter for the birth of a new Bangladesh can be seen as an attempt to discard history of the country and the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who had fought valiantly against the brutal Pakistani forces. India will also be looking with great interest at the implementation of the July Charter. Mr. Yunus’ differences with India have been well-documented as has been his tilt towards China. Bangladesh’s willingness to bring in China as an economic partner and Mr. Yunus’ statements targeting India’s Seven Sisters in the North-East have already raised concerns in New Delhi. The July Charter also finds mention of the Seven Sisters of India in the reforms aimed at building regional economy. Mr. Yunus has mentioned Nepal, Bhutan and the Seven Sisters as a new axis of development through the ocean. This statement is of extreme significance for India. The N-E has many vulnerable junctions always on the radar of the Chinese. A willing Bangladesh can be a handy option for China to take ahead its agenda in this region. The birth of ‘new Bangladesh’ can also give birth to new challenges for India.