5 challenges facing the interim government of Bangladesh

Analysts say the new government that will be formed will face major challenges.

In the face of a student uprising in Bangladesh, even if Sheikh Hasina falls, the upcoming days won't be easy for an interim government. Analysts say the new government that will be formed will face significant challenges.

After Sheikh Hasina resigns and leaves the country, the interim government will be led by 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The military has played a crucial role in Sheikh Hasina's resignation and will also have to play a role in shaping the future path of the country.

The new interim government will have to tackle five main challenges:

Military

The interim government is set to be civilian-led, but the extent of control in the hands of the military is unclear.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Washington-based Wilson Center, said, "The military leadership will play a key role in this interim government, even if they do not formally lead."

Although the movement started with demands for reforming quotas in government jobs, towards the end of the government, the military's stance determined the government's fate.

The military did not agree with the police and other forces regarding the use of force to suppress the protests. The end of the military's loyalty to the Prime Minister led to Sheikh Hasina's fall.

Kugelman also said, "If the interim government period is prolonged in Bangladesh, many fear it could solidify the military's control, but so far it seems the Bangladesh military will not take a primary role in politics as it did decades ago."

Security

Over 400 people were killed in weeks of clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.

After Sheikh Hasina leaves the country, her associates are facing public anger. Human rights organizations have been expressing concern over attacks on Hindus.

Smriti Singh of Amnesty International said, "Ensuring the right to life, freedom of speech, and the protection of peaceful assembly, as well as stopping violence, should be the first tasks for any interim government."

Ali Riaz, a political scientist at Illinois State University in the United States, believes that if the security forces support the government impartially, the situation will calm down.

Economy

Since 2009, Bangladesh's annual growth rate has been over six percent. In terms of per capita income, Bangladesh surpassed India in 2021.

However, not everyone in Bangladesh has benefited from the economic growth. According to 2022 government figures, over 18 million Bangladeshis aged 15-24 were unemployed.

Recent unrest has also shaken the garment industry. Garment factories had to be closed amid violence.

About 85% of Bangladesh's $55 billion export income comes from nearly 3,500 factories in this sector.

Many top brands, including Levi's, Zara, and H&M, import clothes from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of clothing after China.

US apparel maker Hula Global has already moved some of its production. Company chief Karan Bose said, "We have stopped all new orders going to Bangladesh for the rest of the year."

Elections

In the election held in January, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League won, but there was no credible opposition party.

Thomas Keen, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, said, "Part of the reason the protest movement has gained widespread public support is that there hasn't been a competitive election in the country for 15 years."

"The interim government will have to start the long work of rebuilding democracy in Bangladesh, which has strayed from its path in recent years."

As the interim government is yet to be formed, it is still uncertain how long it might stay in power, when elections could be held, and who could compete.

Justice

The military and police in Bangladesh must ensure the security of the people, who have failed to suppress the movement.

Since Sheikh Hasina's fall, the police chief and a high-ranking military officer have been dismissed. Those arrested during the movement have started to be released, along with political prisoners.

Gwen Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, said, "I hope this new interim government will start afresh and a new system will return... which will be built on trust and will hold people accountable."

Many protesters will demand Sheikh Hasina's trial, and her allies will face justice.

Keen of the Crisis Group said, "The new administration should conduct credible investigations into the tragic events that have happened recently."