Rounaq Jahan

The dramatic downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime has given rise to high hopes, particularly amongst the youth.

It has been nearly two weeks since the shocking news about journalist Rozina Islam’s harassment and imprisonment jolted our conscience.

For our generation, who grew up when the Bengali nationalist movement was gaining momentum and witnessed the genocide and National Liberation War of 1971, the golden jubilee celebration of Bangladesh is a time for both celebration and reflection.

Three decades ago, after the collapse of the Soviet Union and overthrow of military regimes in different countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America, we were all talking about the “third wave” of democracy.