On 5th August, following a student and mass people’s uprising, religious influence and flourishing were observed in the Bangladesh Interim Government. As a consequence of frequent violence and the use of force, there is a growing threat to gender equality, religious culture, and ethnic diversity. These developments are directly opposed to the principles of anti-discrimination, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
To evaluate the performance of the Interim Government marking its first 100 days, Transparency International Bangladesh held a program on the morning of 18th November at its Dhanmondi premises. The event was titled “New Bangladesh: TIB’s Observation on the First 100 Days After the Fall of the Authoritarian Government.” Information on these issues was shared during the program.
The senior research fellow of TIB, Shahajad M Akram, presented a paper in this regard , evaluating the Interim Government’s first 100 days.
The report states that there has been an over-concentration of power in certain circles, its misuse, and a tendency to impose decisions. This poses an obstacle to building a secular, equal-rights-based, and discrimination-free “New Bangladesh.”
The report mentions that, during this period, the decision to ban certain political parties and not observe 8 national holidays has sparked criticism. Appointments based on political affiliation have continued. Trials for those involved in war crimes began in July-August, but discrepancies have been noted regarding the number of casualties.
Additionally, questions have been raised about the release process of top criminals from prison. The process of making the judiciary free from corruption and political influence has begun. Questions have also been raised about the process of granting amnesty and pardons for cases and verdicts filed during the previous government.
TIB’s Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, said that two issues have gained importance in the “New Bangladesh”: one is state reform, and the other is a new political and social consensus. The Interim Government is working with these goals in mind. It is also our responsibility to identify what is happening within the government and where.
