'Anti-Hegemonic Civic Society' Launched to Safeguard National Sovereignty

A new civic platform named "Anti-Hegemonic Civic Society" (Adhipatyabad Birodhi Nagorik Somaj) officially debuted on Monday (August 10) with a call to protect national sovereignty and build public awareness against hegemony.

To mark the launch, a program was held from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The event was presided over by Dr. Dilara Choudhury, Head of the Convenor Committee for the platform, and moderated by committee member Fahim Mashroor.

At the beginning of the program, committee member Ruby Amatulla read the declaration of the newly formed platform, outlining its goals and commitments. The declaration emphasized that the platform was established to raise awareness among the public and the state regarding the risks of hegemony and to forge collective efforts to defend national sovereignty.

In her presidential address, political scientist Dr. Dilara Choudhury stated that the initiative arose from the necessity to build a national consensus on Bangladesh's sovereignty within the post-July political landscape and shifting regional geopolitics. She urged citizens from all walks of life who believe in independence, national dignity, democratic self-governance, and peaceful international cooperation to join the platform.

The second part of the event featured a discussion titled "Sovereignty Strategy for the Bangladeshi State in the Context of New Global and Regional Geopolitics," featuring politicians, members of parliament, international relations experts, lawyers, human rights activists, former diplomats, and security analysts. Former diplomat Sakib Ali presented the keynote paper.

Distinguished speakers included: Shahidul Alam: Photographer and human rights activist, Mardia Momtaz MP: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqul Alam: Editor of Daily Wada and former Press Secretary, Tajul Islam: Former Chief Prosecutor, International Crimes Tribunal, Barrister Fuad: AB Party, Brigadier General (Retd.) Hasan Nasir: Former army officer, Del H Khan: Janta Party, Didar Bhuiyan: Rashtro Songskar and Rita Rahman: Politician.

During the discussion, photojournalist and human rights activist Shahidul Alam remarked that the July student movement was directed both against the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina and her party, as well as against Indian hegemony. He noted that unless India refrains from harboring Sheikh Hasina, it proves that India has not altered its hegemonic stance toward Bangladesh.

Former Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stressed that sovereignty cannot be secured without enhancing national defense capabilities, advocating for local drone manufacturing and strategic military preparedness around the "Chicken's Neck" region strictly for defensive purposes. He also criticized the removal of Felani's sculpture from the July Museum.

Editor Shafiqul Alam highlighted economic vulnerabilities, warning that relying heavily on imports for food and energy leaves national sovereignty at constant risk. Barrister Fuad observed that just as the East India Company compromised sovereignty to exploit Bengal's resources, modern hegemony continues under changed guises to sustain economic inequality and plunder. He added that efforts are currently underway to construct narratives aiming to restore pre-24 hegemonic powers.

At the conclusion of the event, the 7-member convenor committee of the "Anti-Hegemonic Civic Society" was formally introduced: Convenor: Professor Dilara Choudhury (Political Scientist & Analyst), Member: Ruby Amatulla (Human Rights & Social Worker, Researcher), Member: Brigadier General Md. Hasan Nasir (Retd.) (Former Army Officer), Member: Fahim Mashroor (Entrepreneur & Organizer), Member: Sakib Ali (Former Diplomat), Member: Khan Mokhlesur Rahman (Retired Government Official) and Member: Minhajul Abedin (Activist).