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Saturday | 15 February 2025 | Epaper
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July-August uprising gives Bangladesh a fresh start 

Published : Wednesday, 5 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 385
Concluding Part

Women and Minorities in Reform: Calls for Inclusive Representation: While the cabinet itself was diverse, some critics argued that minority communities and women should have even more leadership roles in the reform process. Public Support vs. Time Constraints: Given the interim government's uncertain tenure, there is pressure to enact reforms swiftly yet thoroughly.

Overhauling Governance and Institutions: Judiciary: Past Politicization: Under Hasina, courts were often used to suppress opposition. Critics recall instances where top judges were pushed out for not aligning with the government. New Chief Justice: A respected judge assumed leadership, dropping or reviewing hundreds of politically motivated cases. There is also talk of creating an independent judicial secretariat to oversee promotions and shield the courts from executive interference.

Civil Service: Returning Skilled Technocrats: Hasina's era was marked by promotions for party loyalists and forced retirements for neutral officers. The interim government recalled qualified personnel and reassigned those implicated in corruption.

Avoiding a "Purge": To maintain state services, administrators who were not heavily involved in political abuses are generally retained.

Security Forces: Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB): Both organizations have records of human-rights violations. While the army is assisting with law enforcement, the government plans to phase out this arrangement as soon as possible. Military Intelligence: Though many believe these agencies require scrutiny, Dr. Yunus has proceeded cautiously to keep the military on board.

Justice and Accountability: Investigating the Crackdown: UN Assistance: A UN Human Rights Office team arrived to investigate alleged mass killings, torture, and arrests from July to mid-August 2024. Hasina's Extradition?: Many activists demand that Hasina be brought back from India to face charges. India's position remains unclear, with no definite commitment to extradite her.

Legal Mechanisms: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT): Established to try 1971 war criminals, it lost credibility under Hasina due to suspected political manipulation. New or Hybrid Courts: The interim government is weighing whether to set up a new judicial process with international oversight or retool existing structures. Grassroots Complaints: Individuals file criminal charges against former Awami League figures. The interim government must ensure these legal actions do not morph into partisan revenge.

Laying the Groundwork for Credible Elections: Reforming the Electoral Commission:
Past Rigged Polls: The elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 were marked by ballot-stuffing, forced absenteeism, and intimidation. Restoring faith in the ballot is central to the government's mandate. Proposed Changes: Ideas include a return to a caretaker government framework, a shift to proportional representation, or a restructured election commission free of party loyalists.

Timing vs. ThoroughnessL: Constitutional Deadlines: Bangladesh's constitution typically mandates elections within a set period after parliament dissolves. Reformists, however, worry that rushing to the polls without institutional safeguards could revive the old cycle of partisan control. Balancing Act: Major parties like the BNP appear eager for a quick election, anticipating gains in Hasina's absence. Student activists and civil-society figures push for deeper systemic reforms first.

Challenges and Recommendations
Maintaining Public Confidence: High Expectations: Many Bangladeshis view Dr. Yunus and his administration as heralds of a "second liberation," free from authoritarianism.
Visible Results: Socioeconomic matters-like inflation, power supply, and corruption-require urgent attention. Failure to show progress could weaken support for the interim regime and risk another descent into authoritarian rule or social unrest.

Building Political Consensus: Balancing Different Groups: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), students, and civil-society groups all have varying priorities. The interim government must navigate these differences to preserve unity. Neutrality: To uphold its mandate, the interim administration must avoid becoming a tool for any single party or interest group.

Regional and International Dynamics: Geopolitical Realities: India, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Western nations play pivotal roles in Bangladesh's economy and politics. The interim government seeks international goodwill and financial support for reforms.

India's Position: Having backed Hasina for years, New Delhi now faces a new political landscape. Cooperating with the Yunus administration could enhance regional stability, but India's stance on Hasina's extradition remains unclear.

Bangladesh's interim government, under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, began with a groundswell of public support after the sudden ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Although it faces monumental challenges-ranging from repairing a polarized civil service to devising fair judicial processes for past abuses-it has already taken significant steps. The establishment of various reform commissions, the promise to hold genuine elections, and a push for greater inclusivity in state institutions represent a decisive departure from the authoritarian policies of the previous regime.
Key hurdles lie ahead: ensuring that justice for the lethal crackdown in mid-2024 is not mired in political vendettas, maintaining the delicate cooperation of the army, and delivering tangible social and economic improvements to uphold public faith. If the interim government can navigate these obstacles with transparency, fairness, and pragmatism, Bangladesh may well be on a path toward a more inclusive and sustainable democracy. The true test will be whether the institutional groundwork laid now prevents any future administration from reverting to the entrenched cycles of autocratic rule.

Within its first 150 days, the interim administration has set an ambitious reform agenda that aims to transform the political and civic landscape of Bangladesh. Success will hinge on forging consensus among political factions, incorporating the youthful energy of student leaders into policymaking, and winning support from the international community without sacrificing the country's sovereignty or interests. Ultimately, the hope is that this extraordinary moment becomes the foundation for a democratic order that endures, ensuring participation, accountability, and inclusivity for all Bangladeshis. 

The writer is director of the National Institute of Global Studies (NIGS)


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