DHAKA (AsiaNews) – Lights and shadows: a mixture of disappointment and cautious optimism. These are the feelings that prevail among citizens in Bangladesh and humanitarian organizations, 100 days after the birth of the interim government led by Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who on 5 August replaced the historic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who had been in power for 15 years, after weeks of university-led protests. The new government took office on 8 August to respond to requests for the fight against corruption and better management of things that concern the community, the strengthening of public services and the fight against the logic of money and social and economic inequalities. But after almost four months the executive does not seem to have responded – at least so far – to the expectations of the public.
Reforms to reduce inequalities that seem not to be enough. One of the main slogans of the 2024 student movement that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Hasina was to build a non-discrimination and inclusive Bangladesh for all sections of society. With this objective, the provisional government in office for just over three months has promised reforms aimed at reducing inequalities between groups and strengthening democratic institutions, stemming a radical Islamic drift. However, critics argue that progress is still a long way off and is not leading to significant change.
The paradox of growth that generates new inequalities. Meanwhile, economic challenges, particularly the issue of inflation, continue to weigh on ordinary citizens. In short, we are witnessing a real paradox, whereby the development that has undeniably taken place – according to World Bank extreme poverty more than halved between 2000 and 2020 – it is however accentuating inequalities: therefore, while the number of poor is decreasing, new social tensions are emerging, especially in urbanized areas, as many observers and humanitarian workers point out.
Rising prices and stagnating wages. Rising commodity prices and stagnating wages have compromised livelihoods and reduced the general purchasing power of the population. The government has not yet taken decisive action to contain the loss of value of the local currency, leaving many doubts about its ability to keep the promises made when it came to power. Furthermore, public order also remains precarious. Although the government has stabilized the unrest that preceded and accompanied the ouster of the previous executive and Hasina, criminal activity and social tensions have not yet seen significant improvements.
Criticisms of the Communist Party. “The interim government has not shown great success in controlling inflation or improving public order,” confirms ad AsiaNews Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB). “The population’s expectations remain largely unfulfilled and even on the issue of electoral reforms – he continues – little progress has been made”.
The unfulfilled promise on electoral reform. Among others, electoral reform was a cornerstone of the promises of the provisional government, which also remained in limbo. With elections as the next crucial step, many expected the administration to engage with political parties and civil society to build consensus on measures that can ensure free and fair elections.
The risk of foreign interference. And yet, Bangladesh’s strategic geopolitical position in an ever-evolving South Asia adds another layer of complexity. Analysts warn that failure to effectively address domestic issues could encourage interference from foreign powers seeking to assert their influence. “If we fail to solve our problems, imperialist and hegemonic forces will naturally seek to dominate” observes Ruhin Hossain Prince, who urges us to “remain vigilant and committed to realizing the aspirations of the people”.
Pressure from Islamist factions. Analysts and experts point out that the success or failure of the current executive will likely depend on its ability to unite political factions, address economic challenges and restore public trust. As the interim government faces its challenges, political parties linked to Bangladesh’s radical Muslim faction, including Jamaat-e-Islami and smaller factions, argue for a state governed by Islamic principles.
Imposing Koranic laws by exploiting discontent. These groups have stepped up efforts to align the national government with Qur’anic laws, promoting policies they believe will create a morally upright and upright society. Observers note that these parties are leveraging the growing dissatisfaction around the secular executive to promote their agenda. By calling for stricter adherence to Sharia, they aim to reshape the nation’s political landscape. Of course, so far the leaders of the provisional government do not seem to have shown any interest in a state governed by Koranic principles, but it is equally true that they have deep relationships with the Islamist parties they cultivate.
* Sumon Corraya – Asianews
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Electoral process and ensure transparency moving forward?
Questions for the interview with 2 guests about the information provided in the article:
Guest 1:
1. As a humanitarian organization working in Bangladesh, how would you describe the current situation of the people one hundred days after the new government took office? Are there any notable improvements or disappointments?
2. The new government has promised reforms aimed at reducing inequalities and strengthening democratic institutions. In your opinion, what kind of reforms do you think are necessary to achieve these goals, and do you believe the government is on the right track?
3. Rising commodity prices and stagnating wages have been major concerns for the citizens of Bangladesh. What are some short-term and long-term solutions that can be implemented by the government to address these issues?
4. Electoral reforms were a cornerstone of the promises made by the interim government. However, they have not yet been addressed. Do you think this could lead to dissatisfaction among the population and potentially open the door for foreign interference?
5. There is an increasing push by Islamist factions in Bangladesh for a state governed by Sharia law. How do you think the interim government should respond to these demands, and what are the potential risks and benefits of aligning with them?
Guest 2:
1. As a political party leader, what were your expectations for the new government, and have they been met so far? What challenges do you see the government facing in its efforts to address the issues faced by the people?
2. The provisional government has not shown significant progress in controlling inflation or improving public order. How can it regain the trust of the people and deliver on its promises?
3. The communist party has urged the government to focus on realizing the aspirations of the people. What role do you see the Communist Party playing in the current political landscape of Bangladesh?
4. Do you see a risk of foreign interference in Bangladesh given the country’s strategic geopolitical position and the ongoing domestic challenges? How can the government navigate these tensions?
5. Many citizens are still skeptical about the ability of the interim government to hold free and fair elections. What actions can be taken to build confidence in the
