TDS Desk:

In 13 months, the government has issued at least 13 condemnations. That’s one per month.

The list of topics is wide and diverse. The latest one condemns desecration of Nurul Haque Molla’s grave in Rajbari. Previous condemnations ranged from attack on Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nur, attack on NCP leaders to attack on Sufi shrines, ethnic minorities and desecration of the national flag.

The interim government came up with a strong response, every time beginning with, “We strongly condemn…”

At first, people felt reassured. At least the government was saying something. At least it was not silent. But over time the feeling of reassurance turned into unease. Because after the condemnations, did anything change? Did victims receive justice? Were the perpetrators punished? Did the violence stop? No, on all counts.

Condemnations, when left on their own, are like fireworks with just the boom and not the spark.

Condemnation in itself is not useless. It can be a first step, a way for the state to show its moral position. But when it’s just words with no substantial action, words become hollow.

Around the world, condemnations are usually followed by debates, investigations, visible action. In Bangladesh, condemnation is often the last step, not the first. A crime happens, a statement comes, and then silence. The result? People stop believing.

This creates three issues.

FIRST:People don’t trust the condemnations anymore. Citizens hear words, but see no action. Criminals hear the same thing.

SECOND:Victims feel abandoned. Imagine losing your family or your home and all you get is, “We strongly condemn…”

THIRD:The world becomes weary. Other countries start asking: is Bangladesh serious about justice?

The interim government’s power comes from trust. Its job is simple: maintain order, protect citizens, and prepare for elections. Condemnations without visible action destroys that trust.

After the July uprising, people dreamed of a new kind of politics. They thought injustice would be met not just with words but with swift remedy. Instead, the same old script is being replayed.

Governing is not only about writing policies. It is about building confidence. People need to believe their government will protect them, deliver justice, and defend their dignity.

Every condemnation without follow-up eats away at that fragile trust. Bangladeshis are tired of only condemnations. They want results. They want criminals punished. They want victims supported. They want action, not just speeches.

Until that happens, every “strong condemnation” is not a show of strength, it is weakness dressed up in words.