Three months after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government in what many hailed as a “second liberation,” Bangladesh’s interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is facing mounting criticism. The euphoria that greeted Hasina’s fall has given way to skepticism, with growing concerns about the legitimacy, effectiveness, and motivations of the unelected interim government.
An Unelected Government on Shaky Ground
The transitional government, formed in the chaotic aftermath of a mass uprising in August, has been hailed by some as a chance to rebuild Bangladesh. However, critics argue that the administration, cobbled together from academics, former bureaucrats, and student leaders, lacks both experience and constitutional legitimacy. The absence of elections and the ambiguous legal framework supporting the government have fueled accusations that Yunus’s team is overstepping its mandate.
“The interim government has no popular mandate and is operating on a foundation of legal quicksand,” said a prominent Dhaka-based lawyer. “Their actions might lead to a constitutional crisis that could be exploited by opportunistic political forces.”
Bold Promises, Few Results
Yunus’s government has set an ambitious agenda, promising judicial independence, electoral reform, and economic stability. Yet, critics argue that the government is attempting to do too much too fast, without delivering tangible results. Replacing politicized officials and forming commissions to study reforms have made headlines, but observers note that these measures are largely symbolic.
Economic challenges are particularly glaring. While the interim government touts its focus on stabilizing inflation and replenishing foreign reserves, many accuse it of neglecting the immediate concerns of ordinary citizens, including rising food prices and unemployment. The garment sector, the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, remains disrupted, with orders shifting to competing countries as political uncertainty continues.
“The government is good at making promises, but what has actually changed for the average Bangladeshi?” asked a factory worker in Gazipur. “Prices are still high, and jobs are disappearing.”
Selective Accountability?
One of the most contentious aspects of the interim government’s tenure is its approach to accountability. While it has vowed to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates to justice for alleged abuses during her 15-year rule, critics argue that this focus reeks of political vendetta. Over 200 cases have been filed against Hasina alone, including charges of murder and corruption, raising questions about due process.
“There’s no denying that Sheikh Hasina’s regime had its flaws, but this government is weaponizing justice for political gain,” said a political analyst. “By targeting AL leaders, they’re creating a dangerous precedent that could come back to haunt them.”
Critics have also pointed to the appointment of partisan prosecutors linked to the Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial Islamist party with a history of involvement in war crimes trials, further undermining the credibility of the accountability process.
A Military Shadow?
The role of the military in propping up the interim government has also drawn sharp criticism. While army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman has publicly supported the government’s reform agenda, some suspect that the military’s involvement is more than just supportive. The army’s retention of magisterial powers and its role in suppressing dissent have sparked fears of creeping militarization.
“The interim government is a façade,” alleged a student activist who was part of the anti-Hasina protests. “The military is pulling the strings, and Yunus is just their civilian puppet.”
Eroding Public Support
Public patience with the interim government appears to be wearing thin. While Yunus initially enjoyed broad support, particularly among the students who spearheaded the uprising, tensions are now surfacing. Student leaders have begun voicing frustration over the government’s slow pace of reforms and its perceived lack of accountability to the public.
“The students fought for a new Bangladesh, not for another unelected regime,” said a university activist. “Yunus and his team are becoming what they replaced.”
The Risks of Prolonged Power
History shows that interim governments in Bangladesh have often overstayed their welcome, leading to further instability. Yunus has indicated that elections could be delayed by up to 18 months to allow for reforms, but critics warn that such delays could backfire. Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are already agitating for elections, and prolonged delays could give them grounds to rally mass protests.
“Every day this government stays in power without elections is a day that fuels resentment,” said a senior BNP official. “If they continue down this path, they risk turning Bangladesh into a powder keg.”
A Nation on Edge
For now, the interim government enjoys the cautious backing of international actors, including India and multilateral organizations. But such support could quickly dissipate if the administration is perceived as ineffective or illegitimate.
As public confidence wanes and political tensions simmer, many fear that Yunus’s government could inadvertently pave the way for a return to military rule or even greater authoritarianism. What began as a moment of hope risks becoming yet another chapter in Bangladesh’s troubled political history.
“Bangladeshis wanted change, not chaos,” said a retired civil servant. “But unless this government starts delivering real results, that’s exactly what we’ll get.”