Wednesday | 15 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Wednesday | 15 January 2025 | Epaper

Key challenges lie ahead for interim government 

Published : Monday, 25 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 783
Motaher Hossain
The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, stands as a symbol of the aspirations that emerged from the July uprising. This government did not assume power through elections but was entrusted with the mandate of the student-led mass movement to fulfill the public's expectations. 

Consequently, one of its primary duties is to reform the state structure left devastated by the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina, revive the fragile banking and economic systems, restructure and reform the politicized administrative framework, overhaul the corrupt and partisan police force, rebuild the discredited Election Commission and reform the judiciary.

With the previous Awami League government leaving behind a fractured state, the interim government embarked on its journey with the objective of restoring functionality to the state and transferring power to an elected government through free, fair, and inclusive elections. The Chief Advisor has emphasized in multiple statements:, "Our work will reflect the aspirations of the people and the students".

As part of its state restructuring efforts, the government has established 10 commissions, each tasked with addressing specific reforms. These commissions have begun their work, focusing on overhauling the state structure, police administration, public administration, banking, judicial systems, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission, financial sectors, education, gas, electricity, and energy sectors. While such reforms might seem achievable in normal times, implementing them in the wake of a revolutionary uprising is a daunting task.

Hence, the performance of this interim government's first 100 days cannot be evaluated in the same way as that of a conventional government under normal circumstances. The unique challenges demand a special lens for assessment. For now, the government needs to prioritize curbing inflation, controlling law and order, and stabilizing the prices of essential goods.

The interim government has completed its first 100 days as of November 15. While 100 days is not enough to resolve deep-seated issues, it provides a basis for a pragmatic evaluation of the government's initial efforts. Unfortunately, much of this period has been marked by widespread agitation and protests by various groups, ranging from garment workers staging road blockades to Ansar personnel forcibly entering the Secretariat with weapons to press their demands.  

Other notable incidents include mass movements by HSC examinees demanding auto-promotion, which also led to the blockade of the Secretariat. These unprecedented events have diverted the government's attention from its core reform agenda to managing protests and ensuring order. The frequency and intensity of such demands suggest an orchestrated attempt by certain groups to overwhelm the interim government.

On the other hand, the Chief Advisor's Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, highlighted the government's successes and progress over the past 100 days in a detailed post on his verified Facebook page. Despite the chaos, the interim government, in collaboration with political parties and student organizations, has restored a semblance of order.

To address the massacres of July and August, the government has invited an UN-led fact-finding mission to investigate the incidents independently. This mission is expected to submit its first report next month. Additionally, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is also probing these incidents, with charges of murder filed against Sheikh Hasina and her associates. 

The interim government has also announced financial assistance for families of the deceased and injured, while simultaneously undertaking initiatives to stabilize the banking sector and boost foreign exchange reserves without dipping into them. Exports have surged, with October figures showing over 20% growth compared to September.

The government has formed 10 reform commissions, many of which are expected to submit reports by December 31. Following discussions with political parties, a consensus will be built on these reports before announcing an election date. 

Internationally, Professor Yunus and his interim government have garnered significant support. At major global conferences, Yunus has been treated as credible personality while multilateral and bilateral development agencies have pledged over $8 billion in loans. Additionally, the government had to address severe floods in areas like Feni and rehabilitating affected families.

At the three-month mark, the interim government released a progress report outlining achievements in five key areas: stabilizing foreign exchange reserves, boosting exports, restoring stability in the banking sector, securing international financial aid for reforms, and addressing crises in the garment industry. While acknowledging the challenges, Food Advisor Ali Imam Majumder remarked, "Not all problems can be solved in such a short time, but progress in key areas is already visible."

It is hoped that the interim government will continue to meet public expectations by implementing structural reforms, controlling inflation, stabilizing law and order, and reviving the fragile economy with greater efficiency and foresight in the coming days. 

The writer is a journalist and General Secretary, 
Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum



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