Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
From 2000 to 2024, Bangladesh has experienced significant change, marked by political shifts, economic growth, and social advancements while facing new and ongoing challenges. In the early 2000s, political instability was prevalent due to the rivalry between the Awami League (AL) led by Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Khaleda Zia. This rivalry led to strikes, violence, and political deadlock. Economically, Bangladesh shifted from being one of the poorest nations in the early 2000s to achieving on impressive growth averaging 6-8 per cent annually from 2007 onwards. Key factors in this growth included the booming garment industry, remittances from workers abroad, and increased investments in infrastructure. The textile sector significantly contributed to export earnings and employment, lifting millions out of poverty. The emphasis on energy, transport, and digital connectivity further boosted economic progress, although challenges like corruption and income inequality persisted. Hasina government faced accusations of authoritarianism, especially following controversial elections in 2014 and 2018 but remained focused on stability and development.
For an interim government to be successful, it must first overcome significant political and legal challenges. The 2011 constitutional amendment abolished the caretaker government system, which had previously overseen elections in times of political crisis. Since then, the lack of a neutral body to ensure electoral fairness has exacerbated political tensions. Any new form of interim government would require constitutional amendments and significant legal clarity, which could prove contentious in the polarized political environment. Beyond legal challenges, the interim government must gain the trust of the people. Bangladesh’s political landscape is deeply divided, and the public remains skeptical of both major parties. Many saw the Awami League as having undermined democratic institutions, while others view the BNP as having failed to provide an alternative vision for the country. In this context, an interim government that can demonstrate neutrality, transparency, and a commitment to electoral fairness could play a key role in restoring public confidence in the political process.
The idea of an “interim government” led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is a major topic in Bangladesh politics, mainly due to his fame as a Nobel laureate and social entrepreneur. This idea is controversial and shows the division in the political landscape. Yunus is known for his work in microfinance and poverty alleviation through Grameen Bank, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Despite his international recognition, he is in a challenging political environment in Bangladesh. Critics see him as elitist and too aligned with Western interests, while supporters view him as a champion of social change. His proposal to lead an interim government gained support during times of instability, with some believing he could unite opposing political groups. Many see him as a credible candidate for a neutral government due to his integrity and outsider status, while others are concerned about his foreign-oriented projects. His leadership could potentially promote reforms, but it depends on building support amid political divisions. The Future role of Yunus remains uncertain and will depend on various political interactions.
However, the interim government’s legitimacy will depend on how it navigates the complex political dynamics. For example, an interim government led by Yunus would need to ensure that it is not perceived as biased toward any one political faction. It would also need to be seen as effective in addressing the country’s pressing economic and social challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Without broad political and public support, an interim government may struggle to implement meaningful reforms and could risk further deepening the political divide. Additionally, the interim government must address the country’s deep-rooted social issues. Bangladesh has made strides in poverty alleviation, but poverty and inequality remain significant challenges. Rural poverty, gender disparities, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare continue to affect millions of people. While the government’s microfinance initiatives have helped lift many out of poverty, these gains are often limited by the broader socio-economic context, such as landlessness, lack of education, and limited job opportunities. Environmental issues are also critical in the context of Bangladesh’s future. The country is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea levels, floods, and natural disasters posing a serious threat to its infrastructure and agricultural sector. An interim government would need to focus on climate resilience, ensuring that the country is better prepared to face these challenges in the years to come. This could involve investing in infrastructure projects, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities receive the support they need.
The interim government of Dr. Yunus is expected to effectively manage Bangladesh’s current crisis, providing much-needed relief through his competent leadership. Immediate actions must focus on maintaining law and order, ensuring transparency and accountability across all sectors, and implementing essential infrastructure reforms, particularly in education, health, and the economy. In order to streamline efforts, it is necessary to disband existing initiatives and committees, making appropriate modifications to suit the current situation. Addressing the root causes of corruption, particularly in vital sectors such as information technology, gas, power, and water, is critical. These industries need thorough scrutiny to dismantle any systems of syndicated corruption. Moreover, market control over food and other essential commodities should be strengthened to prevent price manipulation and hoarding. To promote rural development and peace, it is imperative to establish Social Security Committees at the union, upazila, and local government levels. These committees can oversee sub-committees dedicated to social development, under the guidance of local school or college leaders. Ensuring that only honest, responsible, and principled individuals are selected for these roles will help foster a sense of community responsibility.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP).
