The interim government completes six months in office on 8th February following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina.
In this period, the administration has undertaken significant policy shifts, focusing on governance reforms, economic stabilisation, law and order, and diplomatic realignment.
However, the government continues to face significant challenges, including growing public dissatisfaction, political instability, and international scrutiny.
One of the most notable aspects of the interim government’s tenure has been the establishment of several commissions aimed at reforming electoral processes, judicial independence, and governance structures.
These commissions have submitted their reports, which will now be discussed with political stakeholders.
Key areas of reform include electoral system overhaul, proposals to ensure a transparent and corruption-free electoral process, judicial reforms to make the judiciary more independent and reduce political influence, and administrative restructuring with steps to decentralise governance and strengthen local government bodies.
Despite these initiatives, the government has faced criticism for not providing a clear roadmap for elections.
Opposition parties, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are demanding an early election with minimal reforms, while others argue that meaningful reform should precede any election.
The economy remains a major concern for the government, with inflationary pressures and stagnant growth raising alarms.
Inflation is forecasted to reach 10.1% by the end of the fiscal year, primarily due to supply chain disruptions, currency depreciation, and high import costs.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised its economic growth projection for Bangladesh, reducing it to 5.1%, citing political uncertainty and environmental factors, such as recent flooding.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) has declined due to political instability and concerns over the rule of law.
Unemployment and labour strikes have increased, with over 50 documented instances of workers demanding higher wages and better job security.
While the government has attempted to stabilise the economy through monetary policies and foreign aid negotiations, public frustration over rising living costs remains high.
The interim government has struggled to maintain law and order, with protests, student movements, and political demonstrations becoming more frequent.
Demonstrations have erupted across the country, with demands ranging from economic relief to political accountability. Students have called for the banning of the Awami League and the prosecution of its leaders.
Attacks and vandalisation have not been limited to Sheikh Hasina’s family assets but have also targeted prominent Awami League leaders.
The political climate remains uncertain, with no definitive timeline for the next general elections.
The interim administration has indicated that elections could take place in late 2025 or early 2026, but opposition parties demand an earlier poll. The absence of a clear election timeline fuels speculation and uncertainty.
BNP and its allies demand early elections with only minimal reforms.
Calls for banning the Awami League and prosecuting its leaders remain contentious.
A growing number of citizens express dissatisfaction with the political deadlock, further straining government credibility. Without clear electoral guidelines, political stability remains elusive.
Bangladesh’s diplomatic landscape has undergone significant shifts under the interim administration, with an emphasis on maintaining neutrality and improving international credibility.
Historically a close ally of Sheikh Hasina’s administration, India has taken a cautious stance. New Delhi is assessing its strategic interests while maintaining diplomatic ties with the interim government.
The interim government has reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) but has sought to renegotiate debt terms to ease economic pressures.
The U.S. and EU have expressed concerns over human rights, political freedoms, and the absence of a democratic roadmap. However, they continue to engage with the administration on economic and security matters.
Remittance flows remain crucial for Bangladesh’s economy.
The interim government has prioritised diplomatic engagements with Gulf nations to secure employment opportunities for Bangladeshi migrant workers.
Bangladesh’s ability to maintain balanced foreign relations while addressing internal instability will be critical in the coming months.
The interim government has faced criticism for failing to protect minority rights.
However, reports of minority attacks remain unverified, with the government strongly rejecting these allegations.
Indian media has attempted to create a narrative around minority attacks, but the interim government maintains that no such incidents have occurred.
Few international human rights groups have raised concerns, but the administration insists that communal harmony is being maintained and that there is no evidence to support claims of targeted violence against minority communities.
Journalists and activists continue to report harassment and restrictions on press freedoms, despite the government’s claims of promoting transparency.
Ensuring minority protection and safeguarding human rights remain crucial areas for the interim government to address.
As Bangladesh’s interim government completes six months in office, it faces a complex set of challenges.
While it has initiated reforms and attempted to stabilise the economy, political uncertainty, law and order concerns, and diplomatic balancing continue to test its resilience.
The coming months will be critical in determining the success or failure of this interim administration.
Whether it can navigate these challenges effectively will shape the future political trajectory of Bangladesh.
