We asked people: What change do you want to see in the ‘new’ Bangladesh?

It’s been a month since massive student-led protests toppled the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina, whose firm grip on Bangladesh fueled widespread discontent over inequality and corruption.⁣
⁣
Observers say Bangladesh is in a critical reset, with high expectations placed on the Yunus administration to undo 15 years of Hasina’s rule. Yunus must lead an interim government tasked with ending violence, restoring the integrity of state institutions, and unraveling the legacy of Hasina’s misrule.⁣
⁣
Amid the uncertainty, there is also a sense of optimism and a thirst for change. We spoke to Bangladeshis from all walks of life about their hopes for a new Bangladesh.⁣

Tarin Akter, student

“I want a Bangladesh with no practice of nepotism. Everyone will get their position according to their qualifications and competence.”

Subol Saha, 35, a grocer and a minority Hindu

“My desire is the next, new Bangladesh will be free from fundamentalism. Bangladesh will be a secular state and all people, irrespective of faith, color and race, will live in peace without fear.”

Shahariar Islam, 24, Dhaka University student

“The government and the public servants in the new Bangladesh must not be above accountability to the people and the journalists. Nobody will be above the law.”

Dipto Ritchil, 26, a minority Christian

“We want Bangladesh to be a country where there is no majority and minority. We want to live as human beings.”

Talukder Nusrat Jahan, a Jagannath University student

“I dream of a new Bangladesh where a girl or woman can easily express that menstruation is a natural thing.”

Anton Chakma, 24, a Dhaka University graduate and a minority Chakma

“As a member of an indigenous group, my hope for the new Bangladesh is that all citizens, whether we live in the hills or the plains, will enjoy equal rights. We want to live as Bangladeshis, not Bengalis.”

Md. Mohiuddin, 60, a businessman

“In the last month, nobody laundered money abroad. This government will not smuggle money. Due to the rise of this government, no political party in the future can be despotic. The culture of protest has been restored.”

Mohammad Hanifa, 65, a businessman

“One month ago, we were liberated from an autocrat and killer of students. This is a big achievement.

Now, we must put in place a true democratic system free from corruption. The people must get public services without bribes.”

Tara Mia, 38, a vegetable trader in Dhaka’s Farmgate neighborhood

“We want the new Bangladesh to ensure that no one will be held hostage by any force, and that everyone can express their opinion without fear."

Interviews and photos by Kamran Reza Chowdhury.