The interim government headed by Nobel Peace Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus has completed one month in office and undertaken several positive initiatives, including reshuffling top administrative positions.
Despite taking over in a challenging situation, political analysts believe the government is steering the country back on track.
Law and order
Law and order was the most pressing issue for the new government. During student protests, both students and police suffered casualties, and two-thirds of the country’s police stations were attacked.
Protesters vandalized and burned police stations, looted weapons, and killed police officers. Many officers went into hiding, leaving stations unguarded.
The police went on strike, demanding workplace safety, justice for their murdered colleagues, and compensation. As a result, crime rates, including theft and robbery, surged. Local residents and volunteers began guarding neighborhoods at night. Yet, the incidents of mob attacks are reported every day.
The government promised to address some of the police’s demands, setting a deadline for their return to work. On August 11, the strike was called off, but it will take time for the police to resume full operations. The force has been revitalized with dismissals and legal actions against top officers who were previously politicized.
Currently, the joint forces are carrying out raids across the country to recover the arms and ammunition.
Protests everywhere
Following the fall of the Awami League government, protests continued for nearly three weeks in Dhaka and other areas.
The most notable was by members of the Ansar force, who blocked the Secretariat on August 25, demanding the nationalization of their jobs.
A group even entered the Secretariat building but was eventually stopped by student protesters. After handling the Ansar protests, large-scale protests have not reappeared.
Administrative reshuffle
In the past month, a widespread administrative reshuffle has taken place. Hundreds of senior officials were transferred or reassigned.
Contracts of several influential officials from the previous government were terminated, and many were sent into compulsory retirement.
The fall of Sheikh Hasina's government triggered a wave of resignations from top officials in government and semi-government organizations.
In the face of student protests, the vice chancellors and pro-vice chancellors of most public universities resigned, and new appointments have already been made in some of the universities.
Changes in judiciary
Significant changes occurred in the judiciary. On August 10, Obaidul Hassan, appointed as chief justice during the Awami League government, resigned along with five Appellate Division judges.
Syed Refaat Ahmed was appointed the new chief justice, and four new judges joined the Appellate Division.
Dr Yunus's six-month sentence for violating labor laws was annulled, and Khaleda Zia, the BNP chairperson, was pardoned by the president. The BNP had long claimed these cases were politically motivated.
Additionally, BNP and Jamaat leaders imprisoned during the last decade have been released.
Leaders of the banned organization Ansarullah Bangla Team and over 20 notorious criminals have also been released from jail on bail, which has sparked widespread criticism.
Actions against AL leadership
Murder, corruption, and human rights violation cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina, her close relatives, and government officials.
Several former ministers, MPs, and officials, including Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq, and Sajeeb Wazed, have been arrested. Many were attacked while being taken to court.
Red passports issued to ministers and MPs from Sheikh Hasina’s government were revoked, and weapon licenses granted during the Awami League's rule have been canceled.
Enforced disappearances
Many individuals who disappeared during the Awami League regime have resurfaced.
Victims claimed they were held in secret detention centers by law enforcement agencies under the previous government’s orders.
The government has formed a commission led by retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury to investigate disappearances, with a report expected in 45 days.
The interim government also signed an international convention on enforced disappearances.
Combating corruption
The interim government has announced a strong stance against corruption.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started investigations against nearly 50 ministers and MPs from the previous government, and many bank accounts have been frozen.
An investigation into allegations that the S Alam Group laundered vast amounts of money abroad has also begun.
The government has decided to establish a separate banking commission to ensure sustainable reforms in the financial sector.
Several banks with corruption accusations have been reorganized. A 12-member committee, led by economist Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, has been formed to assess the country’s economy, with a report expected in three months.
Mayors and chairmen of city corporations, municipalities, and district councils have been dismissed, replaced by administrators.
However, Union Parishad chairmen were treated leniently, with panel chairmen taking over duties in the absence of others.
Revoking Jamaat Ban
On August 31, just days before losing power, the Awami League banned Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir.
However, on August 28, the new government reversed the decision.
Additionally, the national holiday on August 15, observed in honor of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s death, has been revoked.
The interim government has also dissolved the Awami League’s judicial investigation committee and announced the formation of an ombudsman.
Several laws have been amended, including the repeal of special provisions for the security of Bangabandhu’s family members.
What Dr Yunus has in plans
On August 25, two weeks after assuming responsibility, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation, outlining the interim government's plans.
He acknowledged the revolutionary student-public movement and called on all citizens to join in efforts to reform the state.
Yunus emphasized the challenges inherited from years of misrule and urged for patience and cooperation.
He also called for justice and accountability for the killings in July and August, inviting the UN Human Rights Office to lead an independent investigation into the violence.
Yunus mentioned efforts to recover embezzled funds and extradite those responsible for corruption.
What civil society leaders say
When asked how the government has performed in its first month, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, secretary of SHUJAN, said that everything, including the country's administration, had collapsed. The government took office amid a difficult and complex situation. They are trying sincerely. At first, they faced significant challenges, but it seems they are gradually organizing things.
When asked if the government is on the right track, he said: "The government is on the right track. They have already taken various reform initiatives. I hope they will create a roadmap and continue along that path."
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said that this government has a huge responsibility. They have only been in office for one month. This period is not enough to evaluate their work, so I do not wish to comment on it at this time.