The recent resignation of Sheikh Hasina defines a historic event in Bangladesh's political history.On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Hasina finally stepped down from her position following widespread demonstrations against the government.The protests, which began as a response to a controversial quota system for government jobs, have transformed into a larger movement against Hasina's government.After five weeks of intense struggle, anguish, anxiety, and despair, Gen Z Bangladeshisfinally accomplished their long-awaited goal.
Young Bangladeshis are now leading the country, and for the first time, they have legitimate reasons to be optimistic about the future. Their aspiration was not to move to Western countries or to remain and navigate the existing system. They aspired to stay and bring about change in the nation. They were unwilling to tolerate the human rights abuses of a corrupt government in exchange for economic progress.Their goal was to liberate Bangladesh from its oppressive government and play a role in realizing its full potential as a democratic nation that upholds and safeguards the rights of all its citizens.
As per reports from local media, the number of casualties in this anti-government demonstration in Bangladesh has risen to 440. It is worth noting that an additional 100 deaths were reported following the departure of Sheikh Hasina from the country.In response to the violence and unrest, the military has already announced the formation of an interim government.
General Waker-uz-Zaman, the army chief, emphasized the importance of impartially investigating all unlawful killings and urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities.Hasina's resignation has left a void that the newly established interim government must handle this delicately.
In Bangladesh, the Constitution upholds the concept of an interim government, also known as a caretaker government. In 1996, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh was enacted, formally establishing the caretaker government system. Based on this amendment, an interim government is a neutral entity responsible for supervising general elections after the current government's term ends. This system is designed to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, prioritizing neutrality and guarding against any undue influence from the outgoing administration.
In acaretaker government, a chief adviser, usually a well-respected person without any current political affiliations, leads the caretaker administration. The Chief Adviser, along with other Advisers, assumes the executive branch's role and takes over administrative functions from the outgoing government. Their primary duties involve upholding law and order, overseeing routine administrative duties, and ensuring a seamless transfer of power through trustworthy elections.
The government, under the leadership of Fakhruddin Ahmed, decided to extend its tenure beyond the typical 90 days, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive reforms. Although it managed to successfully implement noteworthy anti-corruption measures and judicial reforms, there are concerns about the potential erosion of democratic principles due to its prolonged rule.
Throughout its history, electoral processes in Bangladesh have been plagued by persistent allegations of fraud and manipulation. Based on the data provided by the Election Commission of Bangladesh, the voter turnout in the 2018 general elections was 80%. However, it is worth noting that the process faced considerable scrutiny. Introducing electronic voting systems, enhancing voter education, and ensuring impartial election monitoring are crucial for strengthening democratic institutions.
The recent attacks on Hindu minorities point out the importance of implementing strong measures to safeguard all communities and prevent incidents of communal violence. The interim government must take decisive measures against those responsible and protect the rights of minority groups. Reports from Human Rights Watch emphasize the negative consequences of such violence, not only on the immediate victims but also on the overall stability of society. Implementing rapid response teams along with improving community policing measures can address these potential risks effectively.
The stability of Bangladesh's economy is of utmost importance in ensuring peace and order. The high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, is a pressing concern. Based on data from the World Bank, the youth unemployment rate in Bangladesh stood at 11.6% in 2022.
The interim government must prioritize the urgent matter of tackling the alarming rates of unemployment and securing viable economic prospects for the younger generation. Encouraging foreign investment and providing assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be instrumental in driving economic growth. Implementing targeted employment programs and fostering economic reforms can be instrumental in addressing these challenges. Once the government is established, it will be crucial to prioritize the implementation of short-term job creation programs and engage in meaningful discussions regarding long-term economic reforms.
The international community, with nations such as the US and the EU, has emphasized the importance of a peaceful and well-organized transition towards a government elected through democratic means. Their actions will be under close scrutiny, and their dedication to upholding democratic principles will be crucial in gaining international backing. The US Department of State praised the army for its measured approach and called on the interim government to guarantee elections that are both free and fair. The European Union also highlighted the significance of a smooth transition and extended its assistance for electoral procedures.
Right now, the interim government looks at the demanding responsibility of guiding the nation through this tumultuous phase, establishing tranquility, and setting the foundation for a future that is both democratic and inclusive. Through a careful examination of historical lessons and a proactive approach toward carrying out necessary changes, the interim government has the potential to guide Bangladesh towards a future full of stability and prosperity. All eyes are now focused on the interim government, with the expectation that it will fulfill its mandate with utmost integrity and dedication, with attention from both the nation and the international community.
The writer is a M.S.S Student, Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University
