Perspectives of state reforms and the pathways

An Interim Government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus was formed on August 8, 2024, following the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina’s government by a student-led popular uprising. Although interim governments are not new in Bangladesh, the current government is different from the earlier ones in many respects. Over the past 15 years, Hasina’s autocratic rule has led to the gradual erosion of multiparty democracy and the emergence of a de facto one-party system. The people of Bangladesh have high hopes and expectations from the newly formed interim government, driven by the energy and influence of the student and youth movements and their sacrifice. They hope that the government will eradicate all forms of discriminations, ensure a free and fair election, establish a stable democratic state, and ensure good governance.

To manage high expectations, it is crucial for the government to prioritise and address fundamental issues, such as law and order, human security, good governance, and democracy, which will lay a solid foundation for a stable and democratic state. Without clear priorities and a robust framework, the government may face intense pressure from various groups, including contested political parties, pressure groups, and civil society organisations, which has already been evident in recent protests and demonstrations. If these issues are not addressed, it could lead to widespread unrest, economic instability, and even jeopardise the process of democratic transition.

Planning and prioritisation are crucial for the success of the reforms that the interim government aims to achieve. It is essential to define the scope, purpose, and priorities of the reforms as clearly as possible. Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus addressed the nation on August 25, 2024, in which he outlined his vision for a liberal, democratic, non-discriminatory, and non-communal Bangladesh. This vision is closely aligned with the goals of the student-led movement, which seeks to create a discrimination-free democratic state. Considering these shared objectives, we propose the following reforms:

RESTORING SOCIAL ORDER: Restoring social order and ensuring the security of citizens are fundamental responsibilities of any government. Recent events clearly indicate that conspiracies are underway to create chaos and destabilise the interim government. In some cases, students have stepped in to help manage the security crisis. Although the Chief Advisor has stated that there is no intention to establish a police state in Bangladesh, the government’s failure to maintain law and order will erode public trust, increase social unrest, and hinder progress in governance and economic reforms. Establishing a Police Commission to guide the police is a step in the right direction, but urgent efforts are needed to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and improve interagency coordination to enhance their effectiveness. Immediate measures are also required to recover illegal arms, improved intelligence gathering, and increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

ADDRESSING IMMEDIATE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: The people of Bangladesh are deeply frustrated with high inflation, unemployment, and rising inequality, largely due to the past government’s mismanagement, corruption, and misguided policies. Although major economic reforms may be beyond the scope of the interim government, it is essential to implement measures that offer short-term economic relief to the general public. Establishing Bank Commission is a good step in the right direction to regulate the banking sector and improve financial stability. Priority should be given to institutional reforms that improve macroeconomic stability, reduce inflation, address the banking sector crisis, and enforce anti-money laundering measures. The government must proactively analyse potential economic risks and develop contingency plans to address them effectively.

IMPROVING GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: The people were extremely frustrated with the past government due to rampant corruption, misuse of the law, political repression, oppression, and a lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public resources and decision-making processes. To enhance good governance and establish the rule of law, it is essential to eradicate the legacies of the past authoritarian regime and initiate legal reforms to promote justice, protect human rights, and build trust in the legal system. Robust systems should be developed for greater transparency and accountability in government operations. A culture of openness should be promoted by mandating the disclosure of government spending, decision-making processes, and public procurement procedures through regular updates on government websites or public briefings, enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions. 

ABOLISHING DISCRIMINATORY LAWS AND POLICIES: All discriminatory laws and policies must be abolished to ensure equal treatment for every individual, regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, or gender. Repressive and anti-people laws such as Special Power Act of 1974, Digital Security Act should be repealed to safeguard fundamental human rights. Mechanisms must be developed to ensure a more equitable distribution of economic resources, particularly to protect the rights and livelihoods of the working class, poor, and marginalised groups.

IMPROVING POLITICAL SYSTEM AND CULTURE: Given the repeated backsliding of democracy and the violent political culture in Bangladesh, concerted efforts are essential to strengthen the democratic system and culture. The government could develop a charter of reform and present it to the nation and political parties as a basis for a new social contract. In this proposed charter, priority should be given to establishing mechanisms and frameworks that ensure transparent, impartial, and merit-based selection processes for key constitutional positions, such as the Chief Justice, Election Commissioners, and Anti-Corruption Commissioners. Electoral reforms must also be prioritised to create a neutral and independent Election Commission, enforce stringent measures to prevent electoral fraud, and guarantee free, fair, transparent, and competitive elections. Reforms should focus on reinforcing democratic institutions, safeguarding judicial independence, and enhancing the integrity and neutrality of the civil administration and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, stricter laws against political violence, corruption, and illicit activities should be enacted to further protect the democratic process. To prevent the concentration of power, mechanisms need to be developed to balance the power among the state institutions, notably between the President and Prime Minister, Cabinet, and also imposition of the term limits for important political positions.

Finally, the reform process requires broad discussion and consensus-building to establish trust among stakeholders and ensure widespread support. When the situation becomes conducive, the government should initiate dialogue with key stakeholders and political parties in line with desired reforms to establish a social contract. The success of the reform is dependent on the government’s credibility and neutrality. The Chief Advisor has declared that all Interim Government Advisors will declare their assets. This is a very positive step. Furthermore, a pledge by Interim Government Advisors not to seek political positions or public office after the interim period would strengthen their neutrality. Open and transparent communication with the public is crucial for building trust and fostering engagement. The government should clearly communicate its objectives and priorities regularly, developing a strategic communication plan to effectively inform the public and manage their expectations.

Golam Rasul, PhD is Professor, Department of Economics, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Dhaka, Bangladesh. [email protected]