The interim government, led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, has already been in power for one month. It emerged from the 2024 student-mass movement, shouldering immense responsibilities. Although a month is not enough to evaluate its performance, the initial steps taken by the interim government are promising and praiseworthy.
Sheikh Hasina led autocratic government had been in power for almost 16 years. The autocratic regime had dismantled much of the country’s institutional framework. During this period, law and order broke down, the judiciary has been weakened and the economy was severely impacted by widespread looting facilitated by political patronage. The end of this autocratic era has ignited widespread hope and enthusiasm among the people of the country for substantial reforms and economic revitalisation to establish a fair and democratic society. The high expectations of the people present a significant challenge for the interim government. Assessing its performance after just a month is challenging. Particular attention has been given to the financial sector. With new management boards established, banks have been liberated from the influence of significant loan defaulters and business entities. Efforts to combat corruption are underway, including eliminating money-laundering schemes, implementing initiatives to recover embezzled funds, and forming investigative committees to address irregularities in the stock market.
To regain
public trust,
the current interim
government must
implement decisive and tangible
measures. We hope that the government can overcome
challenges in all the sectors.
A specialised committee has been formed in the healthcare sector to strengthen the system’s structure. Promises have been made to repeal restrictive laws to ensure press freedom. The current interim government has also initiated dialogue with political parties and signed international conventions against enforced disappearances, which should help stop such practices. Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has already sat with political leaders for several times. It is a good sign for democratic process.
However, several challenges remain in several sectors. The current disorder in educational institutions, mainly due to political interference, needs urgent attention to restore order. The education system is currently in disarray. There is a rising enthusiasm among students to engage positively with their country and society; developing an educational system supporting this enthusiasm is a significant challenge.
Furthermore, there is uncertainty regarding law and order. Reports indicate attempts to create disorder in industrial areas and the emergence of new extortion groups in various places. The police force has not yet been fully mobilized. Although administrative reforms are in progress, complete order has not yet been established. Even measures to control commodity prices and address market syndicates have not been fully effective. The government should give priority on this sectors.
The people of the country have made significant sacrifices for change, and as such, their expectations are high. Citizens, regardless of their background, deserve to live with dignity and security. The government must deliver on the promises made and honour the people's sacrifices. This is a formidable task that requires significant time and effort, but it is essential to make visible progress in a relatively short period. To regain public trust, the current interim government must implement decisive and tangible measures. Only when these changes become evident will the people believe the situation is improving. So further steps are needed to overcome all the challenges. We hope that the interim government can overcome challenges in all the sectors.
