Bangladesh's interim administration, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, is struggling to maintain control as the nation faces renewed political turmoil and violence. The government's primary task was to restore the rule of law and pave the way for a free and fair election following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, recent events suggest it is failing in this crucial mandate.
A Government Adrift and Rising Violence
The core purpose of an interim ruling arrangement appears lost on the current setup in Dhaka. Installed after the tumultuous student-led movement and Sheikh Hasina's removal on August 5, 2024, the Yunus government was expected to stabilize the country and safeguard its economic and diplomatic progress. Instead, its actions have often mirrored the mistakes of the previous regime, exacerbating tensions.
The situation has turned particularly volatile with the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the anti-Hasina quota reform agitation. His death has ignited a fresh wave of street protests and, alarmingly, targeted attacks on minority communities. In a separate incident this week, another student leader, Motaleb Sikder of the National Citizen Party, was shot, further highlighting the deteriorating security environment.
Controversial Decisions and Eroding Credibility
Yunus, chosen for his Nobel stature and perceived neutrality after being persecuted by Hasina's government, has overseen several controversial decisions. Most notably, the Awami League (AL), the party once led by Sheikh Hasina and still a major political force, has been barred from contesting the upcoming February polls. This move, protested by thousands of AL supporters as recently as September, undermines the electoral process's inclusivity and fairness.
Furthermore, the government has drawn criticism for the "International Crimes Tribunal" that sentenced Hasina to death. The tribunal, composed solely of Bangladeshi judges, has been widely viewed as a partisan body, lacking the international legitimacy needed for such a consequential verdict. In this climate of instability, India has increasingly been used as a scapegoat for internal problems.
The Path Forward: Calm, Inclusion, and Protection
For the Yunus government to salvage any modicum of credibility, a decisive shift in approach is urgently required. It must be seen actively calming the situation, not fanning the flames as it has over the past year. Concrete steps include ensuring public order, reversing the ban on the Awami League to allow it to contest elections, and providing robust protection for the country's besieged minorities.
The power to reject or accept a political party must lie with the people through the ballot box, not with an interim administration. The stakes for Bangladesh's future are exceptionally high. The interim government must recognize that its failure to uphold its foundational promises risks plunging the nation into deeper chaos, undoing years of hard-won progress.
