Following widespread criticism and mounting evidence to the contrary, the Citizen Watch Committee (CWC) has officially retracted its earlier statements blaming the interim government of Bangladesh for instigating the unrest that gripped the nation in July 2024. The CWC, an independent body initially formed to investigate the causes of the uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had previously suggested the government's policies exacerbated tensions, leading to the violent protests.
The initial CWC report, released in October 2024, pointed to alleged government mismanagement and a failure to address long-standing grievances as key factors contributing to the public's discontent. However, the retraction comes after months of scrutiny, with many observers and analysts questioning the report's objectivity and methodology.
In a press conference held yesterday, the CWC Chairman, Dr. Imran Chowdhury, stated that new evidence had emerged, prompting the committee to revise its conclusions. "Upon further investigation and consideration of additional testimonies, we have determined that our initial assessment was incomplete and, in certain aspects, inaccurate," Dr. Chowdhury said. He acknowledged that the CWC's earlier statements had been interpreted as placing direct blame on the interim government for orchestrating the unrest, a characterization he now refutes.
Dr. Chowdhury clarified that the CWC's current position is that the unrest was a culmination of various factors, including deep-seated public frustration with the previous administration, economic hardship, and the actions of various political groups. He emphasized the role of student protesters, who initially took to the streets to demonstrate against a quota system in public sector jobs, but whose movement quickly evolved into broader demands for political change.
The CWC's retraction has been met with mixed reactions. Government officials have welcomed the revised assessment, stating that it vindicates their position that they were not responsible for instigating the unrest. Opposition parties, however, have accused the CWC of bowing to political pressure and attempting to whitewash the government's role in the events leading up to the July 2024 uprising.
Meanwhile, the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus is still grappling with the aftermath of the events and working towards restoring stability and paving the way for parliamentary elections. Yunus has suggested February 2026 as a possible date for elections. The government has promised sweeping institutional reforms, but progress has been slow. The government has also faced criticism regarding human rights concerns and the treatment of journalists.
