Reform is now at a critical stage

Interim Government Marks Six Months Amid Reform Push and Mounting Challenges

As discussions on long-promised reforms reach a pivotal stage, the interim government completes six turbulent months in office. Today, six key reform commissions are set to present their full proposals, while Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus’s administration grapples with restoring order after protesters dismantled symbols of Awami League’s authoritarian rule.

Prof. Yunus now faces what could be the most critical phase of his tenure. His government, which assumed power on August 8, 2024, following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure to India amid a mass uprising, has consistently promised “reforms followed by elections.” With recommendations now in for constitutional, electoral, judicial, civil service, police, and anti-corruption reforms, the challenge ahead lies in securing political consensus before moving toward elections.

Fifteen years of Awami League’s unchecked rule left institutions severely compromised—parliament reduced to a rubber stamp, the electoral system manipulated, civil service and judiciary deeply politicized, and corruption institutionalized. The extent of reforms will now depend on political parties, making consensus-building a formidable task given stark ideological divisions.

Beyond reforms, the interim government faces growing political and economic pressures. The widespread support that Prof. Yunus initially enjoyed—particularly from student leaders who played a key role in the uprising—may weaken with the emergence of a new political party led by protest leaders. This development also raises questions about the interim government’s neutrality, as three of its cabinet members are rumored to be joining the new party ahead of elections.

Economic troubles persist, with rising food and essential goods prices, widespread factory closures (particularly those linked to Awami League-affiliated businesses), and mounting job losses. Despite financial sector reforms, economic stagnation continues, with forecasts showing little sign of improvement. Matters may worsen with Ramadan approaching in March, bringing seasonal spikes in food prices, and summer electricity demand set to peak amid concerns over inadequate power supply.

The deteriorating law and order situation is another pressing issue, with rising incidents of petty crime and daylight muggings met with lackluster policing. Public discontent is further fueled by ongoing protests—whether from job seekers, students, or madrasa teachers—regularly paralyzing Dhaka and adding to citizens’ frustrations.

The government’s credibility has also taken a hit due to inconsistent decision-making, as seen in the abrupt reversal of the Bangla Academy awards. The failure to control the dengue outbreak might be overlooked, but the health ministry’s lack of attention to injured protesters from the July uprising remains a glaring issue. Education is another area of concern, as students are yet to receive their textbooks more than a month into the new year.

Diplomatic relations with India, Bangladesh’s most crucial neighbor, remain unsettled, lacking a clear vision for a mutually beneficial future. Meanwhile, Rohingya repatriation efforts have become more uncertain, with the Arakan Army seizing much of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, making any return increasingly unlikely.

The global landscape adds further complications. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the U.S. has halted USAID funding, exacerbating concerns over Rohingya relief efforts and leading to further job losses.

Given these mounting challenges, it seems unlikely that the interim government will be able to meet all expectations. However, as Prof. Yunus has reiterated from the outset, the focus remains on delivering essential reforms before paving the way for elections. The next steps will determine whether the interim administration can achieve at least the bare minimum in this crucial transition period.