Who is running the government?
The transitional period in Bangladesh is fraught with challenges. The fragmented authority has emerged as a significant concern, with overlapping roles among the interim government, BNP, student groups, religion-based parties, and the military
As Bangladesh grapples with a historic political upheaval, the question of governance looms large. The July-August mass uprising, which ousted the Awami League government, has left the country in a state of transition. The interim government, led by Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, is tasked with managing this delicate period.
Still, its authority is complicated by overlapping influences from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), religion-based political parties, the student-led anti-discrimination movement, and the Bangladesh Army.
Each entity has staked its claim, directly or indirectly, to the reins of power.
The interim government: A reformist agenda under Yunus
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Professor Yunus has positioned himself as the face of reform and stability, addressing the nation on his administration's 100th day. He acknowledged the inherited challenges, from a governance void to a paralysed police force.
Six reform commissions have been established to tackle electoral, constitutional, and institutional issues, aiming to create a lasting governance framework.
While his focus on political party and citizen engagement has sparked hope, questions remain about whether these reforms will succeed or be derailed by political realities.
The BNP: Localised power struggles and political opportunism
With the absence of the Awami League's local influence, the BNP has emerged as a de facto authority in many areas. However, this power vacuum has led to disputes over control of urban slums and marketplaces, which are critical for political mobilisation.
In slums, pro-BNP groups have seized control of shanties and shops once dominated by AL-affiliated syndicates. These actions have sparked concerns over extortion and intimidation, even as BNP high-ups deny involvement.
The ongoing reshuffling of local power dynamics reflects a broader struggle within the BNP — to balance grassroots control with the need for legitimacy in a volatile political environment.
The student coordinators: A rising force in politics
The anti-discrimination movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, born from the 2024 mass uprising, plan to form a new political party within the next couple of months, according to convener Nasiruddin Patwary. Speaking on Victory Day, Patwary highlighted their goal of rebuilding Bangladesh.
The movement's rhetoric, particularly its calls for independence from perceived Indian influence, resonates with many.
However, sceptics warn it may oversimplify complex geopolitics and strain vital regional ties. Whether the coalition can evolve into a lasting political force remains uncertain, but its rise marks a significant shift in the political landscape.
Religion-based parties: A strategic opportunity for Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)
The political upheaval has opened opportunities for religion-based parties, particularly Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), to regain relevance. Historically aligned with the BNP, JI's influence waned due to its controversial role in the Liberation War.
However, the current transition has allowed the party to recalibrate, calling for moral governance and justice as alternatives to past corruption. By mobilising its grassroots network to provide social services, JI aims to rebuild its image.
Yet, critics remain cautious, fearing that JI may use this transitional period to push an Islamist agenda disguised as political reform.
The Bangladesh Army: Silent arbiter
The extension of magistracy powers to the Army underscores its pivotal role in maintaining order during this transitional period. While their involvement ensures a semblance of stability, it raises concerns about the militarisation of governance.
The Army's influence in this interim period could either serve as a stabilising force or a complicating factor, depending on how its mandate is exercised.
Critics warn of the risks of prolonged military involvement in civilian matters, which could undermine democratic institutions in the long run.
Key problems at hand
The transitional period in Bangladesh is fraught with several pressing challenges. The fragmented authority has emerged as a significant concern, with overlapping roles among the interim government, BNP, student groups, religion-based parties, and the Army creating a governance structure that is diffuse and prone to conflict.
Compounding this is the unclear electoral pathway, as delays in finalising the roadmap for elections contribute to heightened political uncertainty.
Grassroots instability further complicates the situation, with a tug-of-war over informal influence on local government and control of marketplaces reflecting deeper issues in establishing order and legitimacy.
Meanwhile, the student movement faces a dilemma; its potential politicisation threatens to alienate its base and dilute its original goals of systemic reform. Religion-based parties, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, must also navigate a precarious path as they attempt to integrate into mainstream politics without exacerbating societal divisions or provoking backlash from secular factions.
What can be done?
The way forward for Bangladesh hinges on a multifaceted approach to address the challenges of this transitional period. The interim government, under Professor Yunus, must prioritise setting clear and measurable milestones for reform, ensuring transparency through regular public updates and active dialogue with stakeholders to build trust.
Engaging political parties, including the BNP and others, within a comprehensive framework is equally critical to secure their buy-in for the reform agenda and prevent political brinkmanship. Citizens are calling for a political environment free from corruption and partisanship, where reforms prioritise national welfare over individual gains.
Simultaneously, empowering the Election Commission with adequate resources and authority to operate independently is essential for overseeing a credible and impartial election process. The Army's involvement should remain limited to maintaining law and order, with a clear timeline for withdrawing magistracy powers to prevent overreach.
Lastly, the student movement must safeguard its integrity by resisting co-optation by political actors and staying focused on its mission for systemic change rather than succumbing to short-term political gains.
The population aspires to see the youth as a driving force for innovation, equity, and long-term progress, rather than becoming another cog in the political machinery.
Makshudul Alom Mokul Mondal is a public policy and advocacy specialist with over a decade of experience in private sector development, trade facilitation, and SME finance.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
