Staff Reporter :
As Bangladesh’s interim government wraps up its first month in power, a critical question has surfaced: how long will this temporary administration stay in office before elections are held, restoring power to the people?
Many are looking to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus for answers. Dr. Yunus has assured the nation that a free and fair election will be held as soon as possible, once essential reforms in the judiciary, civil administration, law enforcement, and media are completed.
His priority, he emphasised, is creating a favourable environment for credible elections.
The removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, following a popular movement, has left many Bangladeshis, particularly those who were denied the right to vote in the last three controversial elections, anxious.
The demand for clear answers about when the next general elections will take place is growing.
To explore the issue further, The New Nation conducted an exclusive interview with Brigadier General (Ret.) M. Sakhawat Hussain. Initially appointed as the home adviser, Hussain was later reassigned to the Ministry of Jute and Textiles as well as the Ministry of Shipping.
This shift allegedly followed his public remarks on Sheikh Hasina, the Awami League, and related issues.
Despite the reassignment, Hussain remains focused on his responsibilities and the broader mission of the interim government—creating a conducive environment for elections and reforming the state system.
In his discussion with The New Nation, M. Sakhawat Hussain, a former Election Commissioner, did not shy away from addressing the difficult realities Bangladesh faces.
“There is no need to delve into history to understand the need for reform or repair of the Bangladeshi state.
The 15-and-a-half years of misrule and authoritarian governance under the Hasina government are rare in the modern world.
As a ruler, Sheikh Hasina will be remembered as a frightening example of dictatorship.
Her name can be placed alongside Hitler and Mussolini,” Hussain remarked.
He argued that the most pressing issue for state reform is ensuring that no future government rises with such fascist tendencies.
“After the bloody revolution of August 5, I believe any conscious citizen of our country would support a change in the governance structure.
In this context, reforming the state’s framework is crucial to ensure that future governments do not transform into monstrous powers and that Bangladesh becomes a truly democratic and republican state,” he said.
Hussain has strongly advocated for election management reform as a first step towards ensuring a free, fair, and participatory election in Bangladesh.
“The election management system must be reformed, as the federal structure of the state is one of the key aspects of reform in Bangladesh,” he explained. “We need to change election laws and voting methods.
I believe that, along with the Westminster system, if a proportional representation system is adopted for 50% of both provincial and national parliaments, the national parliament will not turn into a centre for one-party rule.
I personally support proportional representation for half the seats, not the entire parliament, similar to the system in place in Nepal.”
The New Nation: How much time will the interim government need to hold the general elections?
Sakhawat Hussain: I can’t give a precise timeline. After so much bloodshed and sacrifice, it’s unrealistic to think that we can hold an election tomorrow. We need time to establish the conditions for a fair and meaningful election.
The priority is to ensure that any election held will genuinely reflect the people’s will. I also have doubts about the major political parties in Bangladesh.
What will the BNP or Awami League do after coming to power through an election? No political party in Bangladesh has taken meaningful steps to bring about qualitative change in politics—they’ve merely cultivated sycophants.
The New Nation: Many political parties are demanding immediate elections. What is your response?
Sakhawat Hussain: Political parties can demand elections, but first, we must ensure that the conditions are right for a free and fair election. The Hasina government severely damaged democratic institutions, including the Election Commission.
We have an enormous task ahead of us to reform the Election Commission.
Additionally, I believe a political party act should be introduced to ensure that the leadership of political parties in Bangladesh cannot act arbitrarily. There should be clear guidelines for nominating candidates for elections.
Hussain also addressed broader calls for systemic change, such as separating the roles of head of government and party leader and limiting the prime minister’s term to two terms. “We have many plans for state reform,” he said.
The New Nation: How long will these state reforms take?
Sakhawat Hussain: Only an astronomer could predict how long it will take to reform the state. We have so many complex issues to address.
The workload is immense, and I’m already feeling the pressure. Today, I’ve completed numerous tasks, and frankly, I’m exhausted. This isn’t routine work.
The New Nation: Some are concerned that this interim government may try to cling to power for five or six years under the guise of state reform. What do you think?
Sakhawat Hussain: I don’t believe that anyone in the current interim government, including Dr. Muhammad Yunus, would seek to hold on to power for that long.
There is an urgent need for state reform, and if we fail to make changes to the government system and political landscape, then why did so many have to shed their blood?
The people of Bangladesh do not want to see a repeat of the past. I want to send this message to our politicians.
The New Nation: Is Dr. Muhammad Yunus planning to form a political party with student leaders to contest the next elections?
Sakhawat Hussain: I haven’t heard any discussions to that effect. Dr. Yunus is a globally respected figure, and I don’t think he would tarnish his image by entering party politics.
However, I do think there’s a possibility of forming a political party with student leaders.
The New Nation: What is your stance on India’s involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs?
Sakhawat Hussain: India should not interfere in Bangladesh’s matters. Such interference could damage our friendship.
Either support us or leave us alone. Please do not misinterpret the situation in Bangladesh or attempt to overanalyse it. Do not allow your territory to be used as a platform to interfere in Bangladesh.
If you do, you risk losing a friendly nation, which would be detrimental not only to your standing in the region but also to your economic ambitions.
In closing, Hussain reaffirmed his commitment to reforms.
He underscored the importance of creating a sustainable democratic system for future generations and ensuring that no government, past or future, gains the kind of unchecked power that could erode the country’s democratic institutions.