by Nazrul IslamIt has been over three months since Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim administration, following a mass uprising that ousted authoritarian leader Sheikh Hasina. The public’s expectations soared with hopes that the new government would restore democratic governance and address everyday challenges, ensuring a more comfortable and just life for the people.
Expectations included tackling soaring commodity prices, restoring public order, improving public services, stabilizing the banking sector, boosting production in agriculture and industries, and ensuring press freedom—all alongside the ambitious agenda of state reforms. However, as the interim government marked its first 100 days in office, many citizens observed that this so-called “honeymoon period” had ended, with progress falling short of expectations.
Restoring public order remains the most pressing challenge. The government came to power in the wake of violent student protests, which escalated into a mass uprising and left approximately 1,500 people dead and countless others injured. Violence continued across the nation even after Sheikh Hasina fled to India. The new administration has since initiated prosecutions against Hasina and her aides for crimes against humanity, including enforced disappearances and violent repression during her 15-year rule.
In a televised speech marking 100 days in office, Chief Adviser Yunus vowed to prosecute crimes committed during the protests and the previous regime. He also announced efforts to extradite Hasina from India to face justice in Bangladesh.
During its first 100 days, the interim administration undertook significant measures, including involving the United Nations in investigating the mass killings, initiating dialogue with political parties, excluding the Awami League and its allies, establishing commissions for constitutional and systemic reforms, transforming the Ganabhaban into the July Uprising Memorial Museum, imposing restrictions on political activities in 33 educational institutions, granting indemnity for actions during the July-August uprising, removing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image from banknotes and government premises, including the Bangabhaban’s Durbar Hall, banning the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and canceling the observance of eight national days introduced by the previous government among others.
Despite these efforts, one significant challenge has been reintegrating the police force, which faced accusations of brutality during the uprising and suffered significant casualties. Although most officers have resumed duties, their effectiveness remains compromised, with reports indicating they struggle to overcome the trauma of the upheaval. It is reported that law enforcement agencies often refrain from intervening during incidents of unrest, including violent clashes between students and attacks on rival political groups.
Incidents of mob violence, arson, vandalism, and politically motivated attacks have become alarmingly common. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) reported over 600 deaths and 10,000 injuries after Haisna fled the country, attributing the chaos to a lack of accountability and a rise in vigilante justice.
TIB also highlighted targeted violence against ethnic and religious minorities, marginalized groups, and dissidents. Between August 5 and August 20 alone, 2,010 incidents of communal violence were reported, with nine minority individuals killed and more than 50 shrines belonging to Muslim sects destroyed. The government dismissed some reports as exaggerated, but minority Hindus, who accounts for merely 8 percent of the total of nearly 170 million population, held large rallies demanding protection from persecution.
Addressing the soaring prices of essential goods was another key task of the interim administration. Despite measures such as lowering import duties on staples like rice, onions, and potatoes, and removing controls on interest rates, the prices have continued to rise.
A supermarket owner in Dhaka reported a 180% increase in perishable goods and a 58% rise in non-perishables over the past three months, severely straining household budgets. “Customer numbers haven’t dropped, but their baskets are smaller,” he remarked.
The current situation underscores the urgent need for the government to prioritize restoring public order and curbing the prices of essential commodities. Strengthening the capacity and confidence of law enforcement agencies is critical to ending the prevailing chaos. At the same time, pragmatic steps must be taken to ensure stability across social, economic, and political spheres.
If these challenges are not addressed effectively, the ambitious reform agenda aimed at building a “New Bangladesh” could face significant setbacks, jeopardizing the interim government’s vision for the country’s future.
@newsnextbd.com
