Mehdi Bazargan was a prominent Iranian politician, engineer, and intellectual who played a crucial role in Iran’s modern history. As the first Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, his tenure was marked by significant political and social challenges. Bazargan was a strong advocate for liberal-democratic Islamic thought and constitutional governance. Despite his efforts, he faced constant opposition from the ruling elite and hardline elements within the revolutionary movement.
Political Career and Challenges
Bazargan’s political career was characterized by his unwavering commitment to democracy, civil liberties, and economic modernization. However, his tenure as Prime Minister was fraught with obstacles. The government created an atmosphere of terror, fear, revenge, and national disintegration. The ruling elite’s policies resulted in widespread death and destruction, overcrowded prisons and cemeteries, long queues for essential goods, shortages, high prices, unemployment, poverty, homelessness, repetitive slogans, and a bleak future. Despite these challenges, Bazargan remained steadfast in his commitment to his principles.