Since Sheikh Hasina’s sudden departure from Bangladesh on August 5, 2024 -- a country she once treated as her inheritance -- the nation has witnessed a seismic political shift that is reshaping nearly every facet of life.
On a personal level, her absence from our television screens has been a welcome relief. Known for her deceptive rhetoric and hypocrisy, she initially promised that her media appearances would be limited to once a week. This pledge was swiftly broken as she monopolized the airwaves, with media owners all too eager to indulge her ego.
When I turned on the TV on August 6, I was greeted with a refreshing change: Her face was gone, and no one of similar disposition had replaced her. Yet, the near-invisibility of our Honourable Chief Advisor in the media has only fueled rumour mills, spreading conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the country and undermining the interim government’s (IG) efforts to restore normalcy.
Unlike in the pre-August 5 period, I now feel a newfound freedom to express my thoughts openly. Previously, I felt constrained, aware of a constant shadow looming over my words. Now, that shadow has lifted.
While some have criticized inefficiencies and inertia in certain government departments, no serious allegations of corruption have surfaced against officials, whether in the government, administration, or law enforcement.
Despite facing protests, including violent demonstrations instigated by certain groups that led to the tragic death of a young army officer, the government has exercised remarkable restraint. By responding with patience and prioritizing dialogue, the administration has managed these situations peacefully, signalling the beginning of a culture of tolerance and people-centred governance.
In a shift from the previous regime, the IG has initiated consultations with all political parties and stakeholders to create an inclusive governance model -- a promising move for Bangladesh’s political future. What’s unique in the IG is the inclusion of two student representatives in the advisory council including a few in the CA’s inner circle. This has enabled not only a confluence of diverse streams of thoughts between the older generation and Gen Z but also a necessary platform in which the two groups could share their ideas, aspirations and respective visions, and the collective of which could be leveraged for the progress and development of the nation.
In this regard, I must mention with admiration that the young people including the two advisors, the special assistant to the CA etc, have demonstrated their maturity and composure in handling serious businesses of the government.
The final months of the former regime saw a concerning decline in foreign currency remittances, with central bank reserves plummeting. As an expression of their support to the new government, expatriate Bangladeshis have resumed sending their hard-earned money home, stabilizing the reserves. International financial institutions have also shown support as well, aiding Bangladesh in overcoming financial hurdles and strengthening the banking sector and broader economy.
However, the relentless rise in the price of essential commodities remains a major concern for citizens, a lingering consequence of the previous regime’s corrupt practice of nurturing syndicates. The IG has taken up the challenge to improve this situation, though it remains an area demanding urgent attention, along with the ongoing law and order issues.
The administration has managed these situations peacefully, signalling the beginning of a culture of tolerance and people-centred governance
The export sector, particularly the garment industry, faces significant challenges, with work stoppages, strikes, and disruptions. Many workers, unaware of the broader impact, are resistant to compromise. A task force, led by a general, has been deployed to stabilize the situation and ensure a return to normalcy.
On the foreign policy front, the new government has received warm support from the international community. One early success was the release of approximately 80 Bangladeshi workers jailed in the UAE for alleged violations of local laws during protests against the previous regime’s anti-quota policies. Through Yunus’ personal initiative, their release was secured swiftly. In stark contrast, the former prime minister once spent a week in the UAE on government expense, attempting, without success, to secure the release of her son-in-law, jailed for money laundering.
A notable challenge, however, remains with our large neighbour, which has yet to fully adapt to the political changes in Bangladesh. Finding a mutually respectful path forward is essential to foster regional stability and enduring cooperation.
As I conclude, I am reminded of a sobering truth: We Bengalis are inherently impatient people. Despite the sacrifices we have made for freedom, we often struggle to cherish it fully. Instead, we seem prone to creating fresh crises, diverting our energies to solve them in seemingly endless cycles.
In the wake of August 5, various groups with disparate agendas have besieged the capital, crowding the Chief Advisor’s residence and the Secretariat with demands -- many of which are impractical, if not absurd. With the nation still mourning the tragic loss of so many students and citizens, murdered by the former regime’s brutal tactics, it is disheartening to see some groups, in their short-sighted pursuits, disregarding the sacrifices made for the nation’s peace and stability. While some demands genuinely deserve consideration, the timing and manner of these protests resemble an attempt to hold the government hostage, at a huge national cost.
The urgent need of the hour is to complete the reform programs, the IG has undertaken, that will lay a solid foundation for our nation, enabling us to realize our collective and individual aspirations. Elections will indeed need to be held, but that is not the immediate priority. The country, the government, and our Chief Advisor, Dr Muhammad Yunus -- a selfless leader -- deserve our support. This is our moment to unite and fulfil our duty as citizens, giving him the opportunity to guide us toward a brighter future.
Ashraf Ud Doula is a freedom fighter, former Secretary to the government, and a retired Ambassador.