Bangladesh finds itself at a critical juncture, where public confidence in its interim government is eroding fast. The very institution meant to ensure free and fair elections has instead become a source of growing concern.
The interim regime, led by Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus, has yet to present a credible roadmap for national elections. Even more alarming are reports that it is attempting to disqualify the Awami League, one of the country’s most prominent political forces, while allegedly supporting fringe groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP. For millions of citizens, this isn't just incompetence, it's a betrayal of democratic expectations.
The concept of a caretaker or interim government in Bangladesh was originally introduced to foster trust in the electoral process and prevent political manipulation. Its sole mission is to administer state affairs neutrally and hold transparent elections within a constitutionally mandated timeframe. Yet, the current interim regime seems to have drifted far from this objective. What was designed as a stabilizing mechanism now threatens to destabilize the entire democratic framework.
Reports and observations suggest that the interim government is considering disqualifying the Awami League from participation in upcoming elections. Such a move would be unprecedented, undemocratic, and highly dangerous. A government that sidelines a major party cannot claim neutrality, and risks plunging the nation into prolonged political chaos.
What is even more puzzling is the interim administration’s apparent interest in promoting Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial party with a problematic history, and the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP). This raises questions: Is this deliberate engineering of political outcomes? Or a distraction from the government’s failure to focus on urgent national priorities?
Months into its tenure, the interim government has not released a clear electoral timeline. No dates, no concrete steps, no plan to restore democratic governance. This silence has created an information vacuum, causing deep anxiety among citizens, opposition parties, and international observers.
Democracy cannot survive without deadlines. Every day without an election roadmap adds to the suspicion that this interim regime has little interest in relinquishing power through a legitimate vote.
This political paralysis has devastating real-world consequences for ordinary Bangladeshis: The pervasive uncertainty has paralyzed economic activity. Investors, both local and foreign, are hesitant, leading to a freeze in new ventures and expansion. Prolonged political instability typically leads to a sharp decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) and significant capital flight. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the Bangladeshi economy, are struggling to survive amidst the instability, with many facing imminent closure.
As businesses falter, jobs disappear. Millions of daily wage earners, factory workers, and informal sector employees face unprecedented income loss, pushing families already living paycheck-to-paycheck deeper into poverty. The dreams of upward mobility for the growing youth are being systematically crushed by this manufactured political crisis.
Farmers cannot plan for harvests with unpredictable market conditions, and traders fear transport disruptions. The ripple effect of political instability is eroding the very fabric of daily livelihoods for millions.
The ongoing organized mob attacks, the presence of firearms and ammunition in the hands of certain groups, and the ignorance and silence of the interim government have created a frightening situation in the country. As a result, intellectuals, economists, progressive thinkers, and professional journalists have gone silent to avoid life-threatening risks.
At the center of this storm is Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus. Many now question not only his leadership style but also his motives. Is he overwhelmed by the challenges? Or is he deliberately stalling electoral preparations? His consistent failure to communicate clearly with the public and his odd political priorities have led many to lose faith in his ability, or willingness to steer the country toward fair elections. Moreover, General Waker's promise to the nation that elections would be held in December 2025 would be a grave insult to the General if Dr. Yunus ignored it. Should the General fail to uphold his word and take decisive action in response to Yunus's inaction, he risks being judged harshly as an incompetent General in the eyes of history and the people.
What Bangladesh needs right now is a statesman. What it has is a bureaucrat who seems either indecisive or dangerously misled.
Across the country, frustration is growing. Citizens are tired of delays. They are disillusioned by the lack of transparency. Young voters, first-time voters, and even seasoned political observers feel betrayed by a system that promised neutrality but now reeks of partisanship. The longer the interim government delays, the more likely it is that protests, unrest, and even violence could return to the streets.
If Bangladesh is to prevent a crisis, decisive action is needed. Here are five key recommendations:
1. The interim government must announce an election date within December 2025. It should release a detailed electoral roadmap including voter list finalization, candidate nomination, and campaign regulations.
2. The government should invite independent election observers from the United Nations, the Commonwealth, or other credible institutions to monitor the entire electoral process.
3. No election can be legitimate without the participation of all major political parties, including the Awami League. The interim government must facilitate inclusive, transparent dialogue to ensure consensus.
4. If Chief Advisor Yunus continues to fail in building public trust, he should step aside for a more capable and impartial figure. Leadership must reflect credibility and neutrality.
5. The interim government must hold regular briefings and publish updates on electoral preparations. It must explain decisions clearly and consistently, using both mainstream and social media.
Bangladesh is standing at a critical threshold. The interim government, if it wishes to be remembered with dignity, must act swiftly, decisively, and fairly. The people deserve better, not just in words, but in action. The country cannot afford to slip into authoritarianism cloaked in the language of neutrality.
The path forward is clear: restore trust, set the election date, engage all political forces, and let the people decide. Anything less is not democracy — it’s deception.
The writer is an IT Specialist - Enterprise Data Integration, Ex-Director, Data Warehouse, Medicare Australia
