The chaos after revolution: A test of patience and tolerance
Revolutions may topple regimes, but true progress is forged in the patience to rebuild what’s broken
Revolutions are romanticized in history, often portrayed as the climax of an oppressed people’s struggle for justice. The reality, however, is far more complex. A revolution is not just the overthrow of a regime; it is the destruction of an existing system -- good or bad -- and the birth of something new.
But birth is painful, and in its early stages, a newborn system is weak, vulnerable, and often chaotic. This chaos is inevitable, yet it is also the true test of a nation’s patience and tolerance.The world has witnessed countless uprisings, each followed by a period of disorder. The French Revolution of 1789, with its ideals of “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” quickly descended into the bloodshed of the Reign of Terror. The Russian Revolution of 1917 replaced the autocratic Romanovs with a Bolshevik regime that itself resorted to brutal purges. The Arab Spring brought down decades-old dictatorships but left many nations in turmoil, some still struggling to regain stability.
Revolutions rarely end at the moment of victory; rather, their true impact is determined by what follows.Bangladesh has recently witnessed its own form of mass uprising -- one that will be remembered in history as the “July Revolution” which has shaken the existing power structure, and now the country finds itself in an uncertain phase.A system that had been in place for years -- flawed yet familiar -- has been uprooted, leaving behind a void. People have habits, routines, and expectations tied to the old order, and its sudden collapse creates a psychological and administrative vacuum. In such moments, anarchy is a natural consequence, not because people desire chaos, but because the rules governing their lives have yet to be rewritten.
History teaches us that this period of uncertainty is unavoidable. However, what truly determines the fate of a nation is how its people respond to it. Do they react with frustration and violence, worsening the instability? Or do they exercise patience, allowing time for a new system to take shape?In Bangladesh’s case, leadership at all levels -- political, social, and intellectual -- must emphasize patience. A new system cannot be built overnight. The expectation of immediate perfection is unrealistic. Constructive patience does not mean passivity; it means channeling energy into sustainable change rather than reckless action
