In the statement, he described the July Uprising as the "most explosive and most transformative" in Bangladesh's history
Badruddin Umar, the writer, researcher and Marxist thinker who died recently, had submitted a written testimony to the International Crimes Tribunal's investigation team as a witness in a case concerning crimes against humanity during last year's July-August mass uprising.
The tribunal released the testimony on Sunday following the 93-year-old's death.
In the statement, Badruddin described the July 2024 Uprising as the "most explosive and most transformative" in Bangladesh's history.
He wrote about his personal experiences with the Awami League both before and after independence, while also reflecting on the events of student-led movement that ended the Sheikh Hasina regime's 15-year rule.
'AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENT'
Introducing himself at the outset, Badruddin wrote that the July Uprising was not only exceptional for Bangladesh but for the entire Indian subcontinent. Neither India nor Pakistan had ever seen such a powerful or widespread movement, according to him.
He described Bangladesh as a "land of uprisings", citing the events of 1952, 1969 and 1990 as examples. The Language Movement secured recognition for Bangla as a state language during the East Pakistan era, the 1969 protests toppled military ruler Ayub Khan, and the 1990 uprising removed another military strongman, HM Ershad, paving the way for an elected government in Bangladesh. But, none of those movements culminated in such a total collapse of authority or such wholesale flight of governments or political parties, according to Badruddin.
"Among all uprisings, the 2024 movement was the most explosive and transformative," he wrote. "Language recognition came in 1952, Ayub Khan fell in 1969, and Ershad fell in 1990. But none saw such comprehensive collapse, such fleeing governments or parties.
"In 2024, Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country. Not only she, her cabinet, central leaders -- even grassroots activists -- fled. Such a sweeping party collapse, panic and mass concealment have never occurred in Bangladesh's history. Not even in Syria or elsewhere did a ruling party disintegrate so completely after a dictator's fall."
'A SYMBOLIC IMAGE OF COLLAPSE'
As symbolic of this rupture, Badruddin pointed to the toppling of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's statues and murals by ordinary citizens immediately after his daughter Hasina fled.
"No one gave an order, yet it happened. This was a kind of 'revenge of nature', a spontaneous eruption of long-suppressed anger," he said.
"The uprising expelled the Awami League not only from power, but also from the people's trust. Like the downfall of the Muslim League, this uprising sealed the Awami League's ultimate political fate. With India's support they may attempt subversive acts, but their re-emergence as a national political party is impossible."
THE ROLE OF STUDENTS
Highlighting the role of students, Badruddin said they were the driving force of the movement. "Students have led before, but it is rare to see the the organisational discipline, courage and sacrifice they've shown this time."
He accused Hasina of committing "all kinds of crimes" during her rule, while enjoying India's backing. He described her deep ties with Indian intelligence agency RAW, which he said allowed her to hold on to power and, ultimately, flee to India. "Staying there will itself be a punishment, where she will burn in anguish," he said.
Hasina, he claimed, stayed in power by manipulating elections from 2009 to 2024, controlling every state institution from the Election Commission to the police and bureaucracy.
Badruddin alleged that Awami League MPs, ministers and leaders had little role in the 1971 Liberation War itself, saying it was fought mainly by students and the children of farmers and workers.
Hasina's entire rule was designed to serve India's interests, according to him.
While Mujib was pro-India, he was not operating under Indian instruction, he said, adding: "Hasina's system was entirely built to India's design. Thus banning the Awami League is not a matter of political principle but of national security."
Badruddin accused Hasina of abolishing the caretaker government in order to manipulate elections, having realised she could not win a free contest.
"She controlled the administration in two ways -- by offering bribes, money and opportunities, and by threats and intimidation," he said, adding that by 2009 this control was firmly established, enabling manipulated polls in 2014, 2018 and 2024.
"In 2014, voters were not allowed into polling centres. In 2018, 'night voting' took place the night before polling day. In 2024, the same happened," he wrote, noting that despite winning these elections, she had no real popular support.