The Lingering Shadow of a Fascist Regime

For over 15 years, Bangladesh was gripped by a regime that systematically entrenched itself within the very institutions meant to serve the people. The Awami League, under Sheikh Hasina, wielded unchecked power, infiltrating public administration with loyalists who facilitated electoral fraud, corruption, and systematic oppression. Today, even after the collapse of her government, a significant portion of the bureaucratic apparatus remains under the influence of individuals who enabled and sustained her authoritarian rule. Without a complete overhaul of these structures, Bangladesh risks remaining shackled to the very forces that enabled the previous dictatorship.

Over the last decade and a half, the bureaucratic machinery of Bangladesh was transformed into an extension of Awami League’s political agenda. More than 40 senior officials, who played pivotal roles in facilitating electoral manipulation, economic plundering, and political repression, continue to occupy key positions in various ministries and governmental organizations. These individuals, despite the fall of Hasina’s administration, persist as obstacles to meaningful reform. Instead of working toward a transparent and people-centric governance model, they serve as the remnants of a regime that thrived on cronyism and authoritarian control.

As reported by several senior officials within the administration, the inertia and passive resistance from these bureaucrats have significantly impeded the transition towards a democratic governance system. The advisory council, tasked with steering the country towards stability and reform, has faced consistent roadblocks due to the non-cooperation of these entrenched officials. Some have outright refused to implement crucial policies, while others have subtly delayed initiatives designed to restore democratic integrity and efficiency to Bangladesh’s administration.

One of the greatest obstacles facing the new government is the absence of skilled and untainted officials to replace those removed for their past complicity in corruption and malpractice. The systematic politicization of the civil service under Sheikh Hasina has left a void, making the restructuring process all the more challenging. Many district commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) who orchestrated electoral fraud—through means such as nighttime ballot stuffing, manipulation of voter lists, and intimidation of opposition members—still retain influential positions within the administration. This continuation of compromised governance poses a severe threat to the democratic transition of Bangladesh.

A high-level committee, led by Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, was formed to address these deep-rooted issues, yet their efforts have been met with resistance from the Ministry of Public Administration. The lack of effective disciplinary measures and the reluctance to remove these bureaucrats have stymied progress, leaving the administration in a state of stagnation.

Public administration sources reveal that certain groups, benefiting from their prolonged tenure under Hasina’s rule, have begun organizing internal resistance against reform measures. These factions are exploiting administrative loopholes, holding unnecessary meetings, and creating procedural delays to undermine the restructuring process. Despite widespread calls for a people-friendly administration aligned with the democratic aspirations of the mass movement that led to Hasina’s downfall, the bureaucratic stronghold continues to be an impediment.

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the concept of public service was eroded, replaced by a culture of patronage, bribery, and unbridled authority. The July Revolution, which ultimately led to her ousting, was fueled by demands to dismantle this corrupt structure. However, without the removal of the bureaucrats who benefited from and perpetuated the old system, the promise of a truly democratic Bangladesh remains unfulfilled.

A prime example of the entrenched corruption is Zakia Khanam, who was appointed Director General of the National Savings Directorate under the Internal Revenue Department on January 1, 2024. Investigations into her tenure have uncovered widespread corruption and abuse of power. Furthermore, it was revealed that she had secretly obtained U.S. citizenship—a direct violation of service rules. While the Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation against her, she continues to hold her position, highlighting the inertia of the existing system in purging corrupt officials.

Similar cases persist throughout the administration, with individuals who played key roles in suppressing dissent and manipulating electoral processes still holding significant power. Hasina’s departure has not weakened their influence, as they continue to function as the last vestiges of her repressive rule, working towards rehabilitating and sustaining elements of the previous government’s fascism.

One of the most glaring examples of administrative complicity in Hasina’s authoritarian rule was the 2018 national election. During this infamous “night vote,” the DCs of all 64 districts were deployed as returning officers, while 494 Upazila Executive Officers (UNOs) acted as assistant returning officers. Instead of upholding electoral integrity, they played a central role in ensuring Awami League’s manufactured victory. Before the 2024 elections, many of these same officials were strategically promoted and positioned in key roles to sustain the government’s influence.

Even after the regime change, many of these officials continue to wield power within crucial ministries, including the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Copyright Office, Safe Food Authority, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, National Social Welfare Council, and the Ministry of Commerce. Additionally, remnants of the fascist bureaucracy remain embedded within organizations such as the Water Development Board, the Cabinet Division, the Land Reform Board, and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

The police, another instrument of Hasina’s autocratic rule, remains plagued with individuals loyal to the previous regime. The assassination of student activist Ashhabul Yamin during the July uprising serves as a tragic reminder of the extent of police complicity in suppressing democratic movements. Despite overwhelming evidence of police brutality, many of the officers responsible were protected by their superiors, who remain in influential positions within the force.

A report submitted to the Home Ministry even attempted to absolve these officers of any wrongdoing. However, when video footage of the incident went viral, widespread public outrage forced the government to take action. Despite these measures, countless officers who aided Hasina’s regime in enforcing disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings remain embedded within the system.

To truly free Bangladesh from the grip of fascism, the remnants of Hasina’s bureaucratic empire must be dismantled. A comprehensive purge of corrupt officials is necessary to restore credibility to public administration. Reforming the civil service and law enforcement agencies should be a top priority to ensure that governance is rooted in meritocracy, transparency, and accountability.

Dr. Ismail Zabiullah, a former senior secretary, recently submitted an eight-page reform proposal highlighting how the civil administration had devolved into an arm of the Awami League. His analysis exposes how the ruling party manipulated every facet of governance, transforming the administration into a tool for electoral fraud, political repression, and financial corruption. His findings underscore the urgent need for reforms to dismantle the structures that enabled the party’s grip on power.

Sheikh Hasina’s rule left a scar on Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. Her reliance on a partisan bureaucracy ensured that her government could function without accountability. Now, as Bangladesh enters a new era, these bureaucrats must step aside for the country to move forward. The fight against fascism does not end with the removal of a leader—it requires the complete dismantling of the structures that upheld and sustained their rule.

The people of Bangladesh have spoken. They demand an administration that serves them, not one that protects the interests of a fallen dictator. The process of reclaiming democracy and justice is far from over, but it begins with the decisive and immediate removal of those who betrayed the country in the service of fascism.