Despite the interim government being in power for five months now since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government through a student-led uprising, Bangladesh has not achieved complete political stability.
Uncertainty looms over election dates, reform agendas, and the formation of new political parties.
Internal disagreements within political entities further exacerbate the instability.
The economic situation, alongside administrative and law enforcement bodies, remains precarious.
A growing division between various administrative cadres persists, and the police force has yet to regain full operational stability.
The public is increasingly questioning the interim government's capacity to manage these multifaceted challenges.
Political analysts say that reform commission reports are due soon, and roadmaps for election should be announced soon; adding that failure to do so may drive political parties back to the streets, triggering new governmental crises.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said national polls can be held by the middle of this year.
Salahuddin Ahmed, a BNP standing committee member, stressed that the interim government's primary responsibility is to conduct elections within a reasonable timeframe.
Identifying and prioritising necessary reforms for immediate implementation is critical, alongside establishing a roadmap for voter list preparation and election readiness.
BNP has expressed concerns over the lack of a clear election timeline, the scope of pre-election reforms, and the attempt to hold local government elections before the national polls.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami's secretary general, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, expressed ongoing support for the interim government, emphasising the need for unity under the revolutionary spirit despite ideological differences.
CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the interim government can hold the election by the end of this year if political parties don't want extensive reforms.
Disagreements persist over issues like the minimum voting age and the removal of President Mohammed Shahbuddin.
Observers suggest that without BNP’s support or compromise, the government will struggle to implement any measures.
Therefore, achieving consensus across political factions is essential for a seamless transition to an elected government.
The interim government's role in crafting the "Proclamation of the July Uprising" and recognising past movements adds complexity to the political scenario.
Despite welcoming the emergence of a new student-led political party, the BNP and its allies suspect government involvement, leading to mistrust.
Political factions also clash over the interpretation of the liberation war, constitutional amendments, and strategies for forming a constituent assembly post-election.
This discord underscores the interim government's formidable task in navigating these challenges to ensure a stable electoral process and governance transfer.
As political parties grapple with internal disputes and ideological divergences, the path to democratic stability remains fraught with hurdles, necessitating strategic collaboration and timely electoral execution.
