Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has highlighted significant deficiencies in the strategy, planning, and execution capabilities of the interim government tasked with leading the country post-Hasina’s regime.
This assessment was presented at a press conference on Monday (18 November), held at Dhanmondi’s MIDAS Centre, where TIB unveiled its report titled "New Bangladesh: Observations on the First 100 Days Following the Fall of the Authoritarian Regime".
In its report, TIB noted that while the new government assumed office amid hopes for a reformed state and the creation of a "New Bangladesh" through political and social restructuring, there has been an evident lack of multifaceted power-sharing mechanisms and effective stakeholder engagement in the transformation process.
The report underscored the government’s lack of a coherent strategy and roadmap, which has left it exposed to multiple challenges and risks.
The interim administration has failed to devise and implement timely strategies necessary for fulfilling its mandates, a shortfall that persists.
TIB also drew attention to the controversial approach taken in addressing violence related to the anti-discrimination student movement, noting that while initiatives to deliver justice have been made, the process remains sluggish.
Decision-making within the government has exhibited ad-hoc tendencies, and the formation and distribution of responsibilities within the advisory council have been subjects of public debate.
A lack of coordination among government officials has also been apparent, leading to subsequent policy reversals in some instances.
The research highlighted ongoing power grabs and the pervasive culture of dominance across different sectors, noting that the change in government merely resulted in a replacement of vested interest groups rather than a genuine break from politicisation and factionalism.
While the movement against authoritarianism played a crucial role during the final phase of upheaval, maintaining law and order—especially in areas such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts—has revealed deficiencies in the military’s anticipated role, despite central authority remaining intact.
Furthermore, TIB’s findings indicate impatience among various stakeholders, including political parties, regarding granting the government sufficient time for enacting reforms.
The study pointed out targeted attacks on the media, threats, and even closure of select media outlets as threats to press freedom.
Gender, religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity also remain under threat due to violence and coercive tactics.
In terms of foreign relations, the research revealed heightened diplomatic tensions with India, citing India’s reluctance to acknowledge its own missteps related to supporting the fallen regime and the resultant subversive activities.
While international support for the interim government has generally been positive, economic aid—particularly loans from organisations such as the World Bank, ADB, and IMF—comes with conditions and increased debt burdens, exacerbating risks for the government and the country.
