On August 13, 2025, in the front page of Daily Ittefaq, Farhad Mazhar issued a crucial warning, stating that a “constitutional counter-revolution” is actively at work within Bangladesh’s political arena. The objective of this counter-revolution is to undermine the July–August popular uprising and confine the people’s victory within the political framework. In Mazhar’s words:

> “Dr. Yunus has no legitimate right to issue the July declaration… He is not the leader of the popular uprising; he is merely a product of it. If our popular uprising fails, if we are deceived by a constitutional counter-revolution, we will stage the popular uprising once again.” (Daily Ittefaq, August 13, 2025)

This statement is not merely a political analysis; it is a warning for all of us. The July 2024 popular uprising was not only a movement to change the government but also a historic attempt to transform the state’s structure and the nature of power. However, after the movement, it became evident that an organized force is attempting to distort this change through constitutional loopholes. The issue can be analyzed as follows:

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1. Strategy of the Counter-Revolution :

According to Farhad Mazhar, the strategy of this counter-revolution is multi-dimensional:

(1). Isolation of popular leadership – marginalizing or rendering the leadership ineffective.

(2). Legal and constitutional traps – using constitutional clauses and court verdicts to maintain the old administrative framework.

(3). Foreign influence – particularly India’s diplomatic and economic leverage to facilitate new political compromises.

(4). Economic control – restricting financial support to activist organizations through money laundering and corporate lobbying.

(5). Restoration of old powers – reintroducing ousted powers in a different form through political maneuvering.

2. Dr. Yunus’s Oath Under a Fascist Constitution :

Mazhar warned:

> “When the oath-taking or government formation occurred under Sheikh Hasina’s fascist constitution… then you… re-established the state… a constitutional counter-revolution has taken place.” (Daily Ittefaq, August 13, 2025)

3. Historical Evidence :

Bangladesh’s political history repeatedly demonstrates that popular uprisings can be neutralized under the guise of the constitution, allowing old autocratic forces to regain power. The misuse of the constitution and administrative structure after 1975 is a prime example. Globally, similar patterns exist—Napoleon after the French Revolution, or the resurgence of authoritarianism after the Arab Spring—where democratic change was systematically destroyed through political strategies.

4. My Perspective :

I fully support Farhad Mazhar’s analysis and warning because:

(1). The achievements of the popular uprising were not merely about changing the government; it was a movement for establishing a just state system, rule of law, and political pluralism.

(2). A constitutional counter-revolution distorts the spirit of the movement and endangers the people’s victory.

(3). Without unity among leadership, constitutional reform, and decentralization of power, independent and enduring democracy cannot be ensured.

5. Far-Reaching Consequences :

A constitutional counter-revolution is a silent yet deadly process. Without the roar of tanks or artillery, it can destroy the people’s achievements. Mazhar’s warning reminds us that the spirit of the popular uprising must be preserved, the constitution and laws must serve the people’s interests, and political integrity and courageous leadership must be ensured.

If we ignore this warning, history will once again record: the people fought, they sacrificed, yet victory fell into others’ hands. The responsibility to safeguard democracy lies with us.

6. Dr. Yunus’s Role and the Impact of Elections :

Dr. Yunus’s role in this context is extremely sensitive. Through state and administrative reforms and the implementation of the election process, he has attempted to divert the spirit of the popular uprising. According to his plan, by limiting structural change under the guise of elections, the core spirit of the movement—people’s participation and transparent political transformation—is being undermined. In other words, instead of enabling effective democracy through elections, only administrative control is being established, distorting the true goal of the popular uprising.

7. Duties of the Leaders of the Popular Uprising :

The primary responsibility of the uprising’s leaders is to realize the movement’s core spirit. They must:

(1). Not deviate from the movement’s objectives under pressure from elections or the lust for power.

(2). Protect the rights won by the people through the popular uprising.

(3). Maintain unity among leadership and avoid prioritizing personal interests.

(4). Ensure transparency of the movement and active participation of the people.

(5). Take initiative to implement democratic change despite political, economic, and administrative obstacles.

By fulfilling these responsibilities, the achievements of the popular uprising will be preserved, and the conspiracy of a constitutional counter-revolution will fail.