Supporting Bangladesh’s interim government: A step towards stability and progress

The unfolding of a series of events in Bangladesh since early July this year when student protests against quotas in government jobs began ultimately turned into a mass uprising leading to the demise of an era of more than a decade of extreme misrule of the regime led by Sheikh Hasina with plummeting public accountability and soaring anarchy that saw institutions collapse and replaced by unbridled power coteries.

The euphoria and jubilation of the blood-soaked ‘victory’ have created a deluge of hopes, hopes of a just, corruption-free, democratic Bangladesh, which is liberated in the true sense of the term. Understandably, the expectations of the Bangladeshi people from the interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, are sky-high. At the same time, reforming a system that has been in disarray for years is a mammoth task.

The current interim government of Bangladesh has stepped forward with the significant responsibility of guiding the nation through this crucial transition period. Often, interim governments are viewed with scepticism, but in the case of Bangladesh, there is a strong argument for supporting the present administration in its efforts to carry out the necessary systemic reforms and ensure stability, democracy, and sustainable growth. The international community, domestic stakeholders, and the people of Bangladesh must see this as a vital moment of transformation for the country in its 53-year-long history.

Safeguarding democratic principles

The interim government is tasked with managing the political environment ahead of the next general elections. A stable and impartial government during this period is critical to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Bangladesh has a history of contested elections and political unrest, and the role of the interim government is pivotal in avoiding the pitfalls of the past.

Professor Yunus’s government was quick and decisive in restoring law and order in the immediate aftermath of the uprising. The interim administration appears to be sincere in its efforts towards creating a level playing field for all legitimate political parties to bring integrity back to the democratic process. This not only benefits the political ambience of the country but also strengthens Bangladesh’s international standing as a democratic nation.

Fostering economic growth amidst uncertainty

Bangladesh has witnessed remarkable economic growth over the years, emerging as a key player in the global textile and apparel industry and gaining recognition for its strides in poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and human development. However, the lack of an inclusive approach and widespread corruption have been persistent challenges to sustaining this growth.

The interim government has the opportunity to make amends for the mistakes of the past regime and conduct key reforms necessary in governance so that economic progress can continue in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable manner. Maintaining a stable environment for business and investment can reassure both domestic and international investors that Bangladesh remains an attractive destination, even during periods of political transition. This can eventually lead to a fresh injection of much-needed foreign investment into the economy. Of course, the interim government has to simultaneously deal with fixing a financial sector which has been battered by the syphoning of colossal amounts out of the country during the past regime.

Addressing global challenges with stability

The interim government also plays a crucial role in addressing pressing global challenges that Bangladesh faces, such as climate change, food security, and international trade dynamics. Bangladesh, being one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, cannot afford further political turmoil that could derail critical climate adaptation and mitigation actions.

A functioning and stable interim government is vital for ensuring that Bangladesh remains an active participant in international dialogues and continues to receive support and cooperation from the global community. By navigating the country through this transitional phase, the current government must seize the opportunity to ensure that Bangladesh remains committed to its global responsibilities and domestic priorities.

Ensuring human rights and social justice

While political stability and economic progress are essential, the interim government must also be commended for its commitment to upholding human rights and promoting social justice. In a country where inequality, gender-based violence, and labour exploitation have been areas of concern, the role of a government that prioritises these issues during a time of transition is invaluable. The interim government’s total commitment to human rights was clearly reflected within three weeks of assuming the office when Bangladesh acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on 29 August 2024.

The interim administration has shown a commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting the rights of citizens. Ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, are protected and have access to justice is essential for long-term peace and stability.

Building confidence in the international community

Encouragingly so, the interim government of Bangladesh has also demonstrated a willingness to work with international observers and engage with the global community to ensure transparency and accountability. This commitment is vital for building confidence among Bangladesh’s allies and partners, who view stability as critical to maintaining diplomatic, economic, and development relations. The decision of the government to invite a UN-led fact-finding mission to investigate the incidents of violence and human rights abuse during the July-August uprising demonstrated its commitment to accountability, transparency, and justice.

Bangladesh’s geostrategic position in South Asia makes it an important country for both regional and global powers. The ability of the interim government to maintain stability, ensure democratic processes, and manage international relationships is crucial for the country’s ongoing role on the world stage.

The interim government of Bangladesh, though transitional, is poised to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future. By providing stability, ensuring sustainable economic progress, safeguarding democracy, and addressing global challenges, this administration is setting the stage for a smooth political transition and long-term national progress.

As Bangladesh moves forward, it is essential that all stakeholders—both domestic and international—support the interim government in its efforts to secure a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future for the nation.

Photo Courtesy: The New Age

Author

Colin Stevens founded EU Reporter in 2008. He has more than 30 years of experience as a TV producer and journalist. He is a past president of the Press Club Brussels (2020-2022) and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters at Zerah Business School (Malta and Luxembourg) for leadership in European journalism.

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