Previously Urmi was making controversial comments on the social media Facebook about Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh.
It is to be noted that, Tapashee wrote on Facebook on October 05: “The chief adviser of the constitutionally baseless interim government has said a reset button has been pushed. The past is erased. He deleted all the history of the country by clicking a reset button. So simple. The countdown has begun for you, sir.”
Exclusive Interview:
1. Following one of your statements, there was an uproar across the country. At that time, where were you working, and in what position?
Urmi: The incident took place on October 6. At that time, I was serving as an Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Lalmonirhat.
2. Can you repeat exactly what you said at that time?
Urmi: The incident revolved around a post I shared from my personal Facebook profile. In that post, I expressed my personal opinion about the current interim government and the Chief Advisor. The post quickly gained widespread attention.
On October 6, an electronic media outlet reached out for my comments regarding the post. I gave a spontaneous telephonic interview, which was broadcasted across various media platforms and quickly created a nationwide buzz.
In that interview, I expressed my deep concerns about the interim government of Bangladesh. I made it clear that I stand firmly with the pro-independence forces. At one point, I was asked if it was appropriate for someone in my position to make such comments about the government or the head of government. I was honestly surprised by that question. What does it mean? Is it more responsible to remain silent about conspiracies against the nation, fearing a violation of service rules, or to speak out in defense of the country?
When the head of our government stated that the students have “reset the past,” erasing our glorious and blood-soaked history, how could someone like me, who values our history, remain silent? I had to declare that I could never serve the anti-independence forces. If I ever see a threat to the country, I will speak up, no matter where I am, even if it costs me my job. Losing my job is a small price to pay in comparison.
3. Why did you make such a comment about the Chief Advisor of the interim government?
Urmi: In September, the United Nations General Assembly session was held. During that session, the Chief Advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, gave an interview to Voice of America (VoA) on September 27, 2024, while he was in New York.
In that interview, he was asked about the demolition of Bangabandhu’s statue and the burning of his residence at Dhanmondi 32 after the fall of the government. His response? Instead of expressing any regret, he spoke about pressing a “reset button” to erase the past.
Look, I was born nearly two decades after the Liberation War. There are no freedom fighters in my family. I was never involved in politics. Everything I know about Bangladesh’s independence and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman comes from books. His unparalleled sacrifices, years of imprisonment, and immense love for the Bengali people have instilled in me a deep sense of respect and gratitude that I cannot ignore.
Can anyone deny the sacrifices of 3 million martyrs and the 200,000 women who were violated during the Liberation War? Only the ungrateful could. I couldn’t be ungrateful, which is why I made that comment.
Later, the Chief Advisor’s office clarified that he did not mean to erase 1971. However, his actions and those of his administration tell a different story. From August 5, they have been demonstrating their intent to erase 1971 and Bangabandhu. Everyone saw how the residence at Dhanmondi 32, a historical site of significant events, was set ablaze. The Father of the Nation’s statues were destroyed with utter disrespect.
Even the National Mourning Day holiday on August 15 was revoked. One advisor openly stated that the advisory council does not recognize Bangabandhu as the Father of the Nation. They canceled March 7 as a holiday and disrespected freedom fighters while attacking minorities. The entire nation has witnessed these events.
4. Do you believe Dr. Yunus is not aligned with the pro-Liberation forces?
Urmi: Whether Dr. Muhammad Yunus personally supports the Liberation War or not is less important. What matters is whether he has collaborated with anti-independence forces as the head of government.
In 1971, the collaborators (Razakars) and their descendants roamed this land shamelessly without remorse. Even after 50 years, they haven’t apologized, and we haven’t been able to root them out entirely. Therefore, your neighbor could secretly hold anti-independence beliefs.
As for Dr. Yunus, his personal stance remains unclear. Some claim he campaigned for support in the U.S. during the Liberation War. Yet, I have never seen him honor our Father of the Nation or the martyrs on Independence or Victory Day. Even after assuming the role of Chief Advisor, he has not made any significant statements about 1971.
On the contrary, he revoked national holidays like August 15, March 7, and November 4. He admitted that the students are his employers—the same students who refuse to acknowledge Bangabandhu’s contributions, who celebrated August 15 with DJ parties, who destroyed symbols of independence, and replaced “Joy Bangla” with “Inquilab Zindabad.”
These students staged a coup, overthrowing the government and attempting to establish a fundamentalist state. Dr. Yunus is now leading this process.
5. Do you believe he is working with anti-independence forces or oppressing pro-Liberation individuals?
Urmi: It is now clear that anti-independence forces were involved from the beginning under the guise of student protests.
Jamaat-e-Islami (the party that opposed our Liberation War in 1971) and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, led this student uprising from behind the scenes. After the government fell, they revealed their true identity.
Despite being banned on August 1, the Chief Advisor met with Jamaat leaders on August 12 and again on October 5. These meetings show the close relationship between the Chief Advisor and anti-independence elements.
Under student pressure, freedom fighters were denied state honors after death, while one injured protester was buried with state honors. The words “freedom” and “martyr,” once synonymous with 1971, are now being redefined to reflect 2024.
Their ultimate goal is to establish an Islamic republic. Since the current constitution cannot be Islamized, they are determined to create a new one.
6. You took such a risk despite knowing the consequences for your career and life. Why?
Urmi: I don’t think I took a career risk. There are millions of job sectors worldwide. Losing this job is not a big deal. But letting my country fall into the hands of anti-independence and fundamentalist forces is a far greater risk.
As for the risk to my life, of course, it exists. But since death comes only once, I place my trust in the Creator.
7. What do you want to do next? Do you plan to engage in social work?
Urmi: As I said, there are countless fields of work worldwide. I will continue wherever the Creator guides me to succeed. I don’t have plans to engage in social work professionally, but supporting people personally is part of our social responsibility.
8. Based on your experience as a government officer, what kind of government would you like to see?
Urmi: My experience has shown me that there is often a disconnect between law and reality in Bangladesh. While our constitution upholds the rule of law, reality often presents barriers.
I hope to see a government that is uncompromising in protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, upholds the spirit of the Liberation War, and establishes true rule of law.
9. Can you share something about your educational and family background?
Urmi: My ancestral home is in Netrakona, but due to my parents’ jobs, we settled in Mymensingh. Both of my parents are teachers. I am the eldest of three siblings.
I completed my schooling from Cantonment Public School & College, Momenshahi, and graduated from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Computer Science & Engineering. I joined the civil service in December 2022.
Since childhood, I have been involved in extracurricular activities like Rabindra Sangeet, painting, and recitation. My interest in the history of Bangladesh and Bangabandhu’s sacrifices developed through extensive reading.
This, in short, is my personal life story.