Political analyst Dr. Ali Riaz has criticized the lack of civil society-led review of the last 16 years of political developments in Bangladesh. Speaking at a recent event, he questioned why journalist unions haven’t mobilized broader civil society efforts to examine this period. Riaz stressed that politicians—not interim governments—should lead the country. “That’s the whole point of calling it an interim government,” he said. He also challenged journalists to reflect on their roles, asking whether they act as reporters or political agents. He referenced a meeting held by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the July movement with selected journalists, questioning the ethics of such interactions. “When media is used as a shield to protect business interests, independent journalism becomes impossible,” he added. He criticized the partisan divide among journalists’ unions and noted that a politically motivated alternative to the Editors’ Council has emerged. Riaz also remarked that globally, transitions from authoritarianism to democracy often give rise to new social forces, sometimes leading to violent conflict—but Bangladesh, he noted, has experienced less violence by comparison.