Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, marked its 100th day this week. The milestone arrives after Yunus extended the initial 90-day deadline stipulated by the Bangladeshi constitution for holding elections following the dissolution of parliament. His plea for national patience underscores the monumental challenge of preparing for credible polls amidst significant political turmoil. Yunus assumed power following the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a consequence of widespread student protests that resulted in numerous casualties and detentions. His interim rule was initially perceived as a welcome respite from the escalating political crisis, particularly given his track record of supporting student-led movements demanding substantial reforms.
Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance, faces the daunting task of restoring democratic institutions in a nation of approximately 170 million people. The past 100 days have been a period of intense activity, characterized by both progress and controversy. A report by the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), titled “100 Days of Dr. Yunus: Mobocracy Imperils Bangladesh’s Reforms,” casts a critical eye on the human rights situation under the interim administration. The report argues that the Yunus government hasn’t significantly deviated from its predecessor, failing to adequately address the persistent persecution of minority groups. It highlights the staggering figure of over 272,000 individuals, predominantly perceived political opponents, implicated in 1,598 criminal cases since Yunus assumed power. This period has also witnessed a surge in discrimination and violence against the Hindu community, with numerous temples vandalized or destroyed.
The economic challenges facing Yunus’s administration are equally formidable. He inherited a country grappling with double-digit inflation, significant capital flight, dwindling foreign reserves, and a severely strained banking sector. In response, the interim government has implemented measures to bolster reserves, restructure the banking system, and recover bad loans. Yunus himself emphasized these efforts in his 100-day address, asserting that the previous government and its associates allegedly siphoned off an estimated $12-15 billion annually. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to reclaim these illicit funds, claiming that such a recovery would significantly revitalize the Bangladeshi economy. The administration’s commitment to tackling corruption has also extended internationally, with the interim government seeking UK assistance in investigating the overseas assets linked to former Prime Minister Hasina’s allies.
However, the interim government’s actions have not been without criticism. Bangladeshi journalist Ahmede Hussain, writing in The Print, voiced concerns over the appointment of controversial figures to key positions within the administration, suggesting a potential bias towards friends and relatives. The recent inclusion of Sheikh Bashir Uddin, brother of a former Awami League MP and accused of murder in a case allegedly involving Hasina, in the government’s advisory council has further fueled such accusations. The appointment of film director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as an advisor, despite his previous public support for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Hasina’s father) and subsequent distancing from Hasina, adds another layer to this complexity.
Yunus has consistently maintained that electoral reform is a prerequisite for free and fair elections. To this end, he has established six commissions comprising prominent Bangladeshi citizens, tasked with proposing reforms across crucial sectors, including the constitution, electoral system, judiciary, police force, Anti-Corruption Commission, and public administration. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Yunus’s interim government can successfully navigate these challenges and pave the way for a more stable and democratic future for Bangladesh.
