Following the mass uprising led by students and citizens on 5 August, the Sheikh Hasina government was ousted, and an interim government was established on 8 August, with Dr Muhammad Yunus appointed as chief adviser.
As of 8 November, the government marks its third month in power.
But how has it fared in this time?
The inclusion of new advisers in the interim government has the potential to accelerate its progress, provided these new members bring complementary skills, expertise, or networks that bolster the existing advisory team.
Fresh perspectives can revitalise current initiatives, introduce innovative strategies, and address specific areas of governance that require attention. However, their success will hinge on alignment with the existing team's objectives and overall work culture.
Over the last three months, the interim government's advisers faced significant challenges in managing ministerial responsibilities.
With only 21 advisers overseeing various sectors with complex needs, workload distribution became a significant bottleneck, prompting calls to expand the advisory council to ensure a more manageable division of responsibilities.
The addition of advisers is therefore seen as a strategic move towards improving government efficacy by enabling a more proactive and streamlined approach to governance.
Since its formation, the interim government has focused on economic revitalisation and sectoral reforms.
It has engaged in dialogues with political parties, initiated genocide trials at the International Crimes Tribunal, reopened the Mirpur 10 and Kazipara metro stations—previously closed due to unrest—regulated commodity prices, ensured public security, and cancelled eight national holidays.
Nevertheless, Dr Yunus' administration initially faced significant pressure from various groups making demands, such as job nationalisation and accountability for missing persons.
Challenges also included mob justice incidents, mass resignations by teachers, a blockade at the secretariat organised by Ansar, and persistent protests over President Mohammed Shahabuddin's resignation, which the government eventually managed to quell.
Public and political analysts have reacted with mixed assessments to the government's first three months, acknowledging notable achievements while highlighting ongoing challenges.
The two primary concerns are controlling commodity prices and ensuring public security, alongside calls for reforms, elections, and political stability.
Interim government's formation was a direct consequence of mass protests that reflected the populace's dissatisfaction with the previous administration.
Yunus' approach has focused on reform, public welfare, and restoring political stability, with major initiatives across various sectors.
Key achievements of the interim government
Economic stabilisation efforts
Faced with economic challenges, the government implemented measures to curb inflation, especially concerning essential goods, aiming to alleviate public hardship.
Despite efforts to regulate prices and ensure sufficient supply, these measures proved difficult amidst economic volatility.
Financial reforms within the banking sector were prioritised, targeting corruption and mismanagement.
By restructuring bank boards and removing control from politically influential defaulters, the government sought to restore public trust and ensure sustainable development.
Judicial reforms and genocide trials
The government’s judicial reforms included initiating genocide trials linked to the July-August violence, issuing arrest warrants for several high-profile figures from the previous regime, including Sheikh Hasina and her associates.
The move was intended to deliver justice and address public grievances. International oversight from the United Nations Human Rights Office has been welcomed as a measure of the government’s transparency.
Reform commissions and structural improvements
Establishment of ten specialised reform commissions to address issues in sectors like healthcare, public administration, and labour rights signalled a commitment to structural change.
These commissions have already begun formulating proposals and gathering data.
Efforts to ensure public safety included reopening key metro stations and establishing the "July Martyrs Memorial Foundation" to support those affected by the unrest.
A complex appraisal
Despite broad approval, the government has faced criticism over inflation and the lack of a clear electoral roadmap.
Political parties have demanded a concrete timetable for elections, which remains unresolved, causing public uncertainty.
The cancellation of eight national days, historically associated with the Awami League, also sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of alienating certain segments of the population.
Efforts to address cross-border issues with India and combat corruption have been part of the government's broader agenda.
A committee was established to produce a white paper on past financial mismanagement, and investigations into 150 individuals implicated in corruption are underway.
The interim government’s tenure has seen both commendable efforts and persistent challenges.
Dr Yunus' administration has sought economic stability, judicial reform, and political dialogue.
However, a clear electoral roadmap and measures to combat inflation remain critical to the government's long-term success.
