Reforms in Action: The 1st 100 days of Yunus-led interim govt

Reza Mahmud :

The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has sought to usher in a new era with a broad reform agenda.

Experts have expressed optimism that the government will address public concerns and reshape the country through significant reforms.

They note that the ten reform committees set up by the government are already underway and are expected to yield positive results.

Following an uprising that removed autocratic Prime Minister Hasina from power, the reform agenda of the interim government has begun to take shape, though challenges remain.

The government is expected to remain in office for at least a year, with the possibility of extending its term. After nearly 16 years of Hasina’s rule, Bangladesh now faces a unique opportunity for governance improvement and the establishment of safeguards to prevent the rise of another autocratic regime.

However, the interim government must produce results quickly to maintain public support for its reforms. Experts warn that prolonged rule without significant progress could lead to a return to the previous regime or even a period of military control. To maintain momentum, it will be crucial for the government to build political consensus and avoid staying in power for too long.

Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah explained to The New Nation that the 100-day period for an interim government is not the same as for a normal government.

This administration has taken office after a period of political upheaval, with a country that was on the brink of collapse under Hasina’s rule. He praised the reform initiatives, which have given the people hope, but emphasised that the real success would depend on whether the reforms are embraced by the public and lead to tangible progress.

Contacted, Eminent Economist Professor Dr. Moinul Islam told The New Nation, “Hasina and her oligarchs have destroyed the national economy by plundering and siphoning huge money abroad. This government has become success of keeping the economy from ruining to the right track.”

He said, the reform initiatives of this government have created hope among the people.
One of the key challenges will be managing high public expectations.

The desire for political, economic, and social renewal is strong, especially after the upheaval of July and August. The interim government must address this “never again” moment by putting in place systems that prevent another autocratic rule.

Reforming the judiciary is crucial, as Bangladesh’s judicial system has long been vulnerable to political interference. Under Hasina’s regime, this interference was especially pronounced, with the courts used to suppress political opponents.

The interim government has already taken steps to restore judicial independence, such as the resignation of the former chief justice and the appointment of respected jurist Syed Refaat Ahmed.

Restoring a functional and impartial bureaucracy is also a major task, given the size and complexity of Bangladesh’s civil service.

The interim government has replaced several high-ranking officials and reinstated those who had been forced into retirement under the previous regime.

Similarly, police reform remains a pressing concern. The police were heavily politicised under Hasina, and while they have started returning to duty, rebuilding trust and morale is a significant challenge.

Reforms will likely focus on strengthening checks and balances, particularly by enhancing the roles of the judiciary and parliament. The economy, while having seen growth under Hasina, was marked by manipulated data and misleading economic indicators.

The World Bank has estimated that a substantial portion of Bangladesh’s reported GDP growth between 2015 and 2019 was unexplained, casting doubt on the accuracy of the government’s economic claims.

The interim government’s ability to navigate these challenges and implement meaningful reforms will shape the future of Bangladesh, and its success or failure will have long-term consequences for the nation’s political and economic trajectory.