Context

Bangladesh is in a historic transition following student-led protests that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Years of frustration over corruption, human rights abuses, and dynastic politics culminated in her removal after 15 years in power. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads an interim government tasked with rebuilding trust, fixing damaged institutions, and preparing for elections tentatively set for 2025.

Commitments and Challenges

Yunus has promised electoral reform and accountability for past abuses, establishing six commissions to address corruption, judicial reform, and governance. However, slow progress, economic challenges, and public scepticism have dampened optimism.

Political Realignments

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) positions itself as a reformist alternative, proposing term limits and judicial independence. Yet internal conflicts and past scandals hinder its credibility. Attempts to form coalitions, including with the controversial Jamaat-e-Islami, reveal the complexities of opposition politics.

Public Sentiment and Civic Engagement

The 2024 protests reignited calls for democracy and free speech. However, divisions among youth and political groups threaten to undermine the unity achieved during the movement.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s journey offers lessons for post-authoritarian transitions globally. It underscores the importance of inclusive reforms and civic participation, as seen in successes like Sri Lanka and Chile. The international community should monitor Bangladesh’s progress as Yunus’s administration strives to balance reform and stability, potentially setting an example for peaceful democratic renewal. Sustained vigilance and inclusive leadership remain crucial for a resilient democracy.

Bibliography

Al Jazeera. (2024). Bangladesh’s Yunus seeks time, says election roadmap after reforms.[online]Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/17/bangladeshs-yunus-seeks-time-says-election-roadmap-after-reforms[Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

ANI (2024).Bangladesh general election likely in 2025, says interim government advisor.[online] The Economic Times. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/bangladesh-general-election-likely-in-2025-says-interim-government-advisor/articleshow/114371880.cms?from=mdr [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

Haque, M.S. (2024).We must never lose freedom of speech ever again. [online] Prothomalo. Available at: https://en.prothomalo.com/opinion/op-ed/9ttjevmru3[Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

Staff Correspondent (2024).Hasnat Abdullah calls for unity. [online] Prothomalo. Available at: https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/politics/ij933l4do6 [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

The Daily Star. (2024). The Daily Star. [online] Available at: https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/bnps-pledge-reforms-sounds-good-3753646 [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

Tiwana, M. (2024).Mohammad Yunus can go down in history as the architect of a new Bangladesh.[online] Al Jazeera. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/10/31/mohammad-yunus-can-go-down-in-history-as-the-architect-of-a-new-bangladesh.