As the interim government nears its one-year mark, political uncertainty continues to deepen in Bangladesh due to the absence of a declared date for the next general election. The government, led by Nobel laureate economist Professor Muhammad Yunus, was formed on August 8 last year following the fall of the autocratic Awami League regime during a popular uprising on August 5.
The interim administration had pledged to restore normalcy, ensure justice for crimes committed under the previous government, and initiate minimum reforms to enable a free and fair national election. However, political leaders argue that the government has so far failed to fulfill these priorities—especially by not setting a clear election timeline.
According to opposition politicians, the government's failure to announce a definitive election schedule is its most serious shortcoming. They also allege that the administration has failed to curb lawlessness and has even allowed mob violence to continue with impunity. Armed groups, they claim, are operating freely, and those involved in violence are enjoying protection.
Although the government initially prioritized reform, critics argue it has now taken on an excessively broad reform agenda—one more appropriate for an elected regime. As a result, the prospects for holding an election soon appear to be diminishing, fueling growing public suspicion.
The National Consensus Commission continues to hold dialogue with political parties, but agreements have been reached on only a handful of issues. Most contentious matters remain unresolved, including constitutional amendments and electoral restructuring. Despite repeated assurances that elections are forthcoming, no specific date has been set.
Meanwhile, new economic challenges have emerged. The United States has recently imposed new tariffs, and the government has yet to formulate a response, leading to criticism from business communities. Some politicians have also objected to the government's engagement with foreign partners over port management—decisions they say fall outside the mandate of an unelected caretaker administration.
On the economic front, the government has seen limited success in boosting foreign remittances, which has helped improve foreign currency reserves. But overall, its record remains mixed.
Sharif Nurul Ambia, President of the Bangladesh Jasad and a veteran political figure, told Banglanews, “Apart from bringing some balance to the economy through remittances, I do not see any significant achievement by this interim government. Discussions on reforms are ongoing, but no meaningful consensus has been reached. Law and order has not improved. There is still no concrete progress toward the upcoming parliamentary election.”
He added, “Even the Chief Adviser’s statement about holding elections by a certain time is riddled with ambiguity. The condition—‘if preparations are complete by then’—leaves too much room for uncertainty. Also, handing over management of the Chattogram seaport to a so-called ‘preferred foreign company’ raises serious questions. Such decisions should be made only by an elected government. As for the new US tariffs, the government has made no serious move to address them. Business leaders themselves have expressed disappointment.”
As Bangladesh’s interim government approaches its one-year mark on August 8, political leaders are raising serious concerns about its inability to announce a national election date, restore law and order, or earn public trust. The administration, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, was formed following the ousting of the long-standing Awami League government after the July uprising in 2024.
Though the government pledged to ensure justice, undertake minimum reforms, and organize elections, critics say it has become overwhelmed by an overly broad agenda while failing in its core responsibilities—particularly the restoration of security and clarity around the next polls.
He also said the government has lost control of the law and order situation. Referring to a string of recent incidents—including the deadly aircraft crash at Milestone School, unrest in Gopalganj, and disruptions near the Secretariat—they describe a state of growing chaos.
Sharif Nurul Ambia said: “Everything feels disorderly. Mob violence continues unchecked. People fear that fascist forces could take advantage of the situation. There is no credible progress on elections, and statements from the Chief Adviser remain vague. This isn’t how a government should operate.”
Ambia also accused the government of enabling the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), which many believe is affiliated with Yunus. “People think the government is shielding NCP. Some of the unrest may even be orchestrated to delay elections,” he added.
Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal's general secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz told Banglanews: “This government has failed to accomplish its core mandates. Mob violence hasn’t stopped, banking liquidity is still in crisis. Reform talks are ongoing, but only 9 or 10 out of 16 discussed items have seen consensus. We proposed that unresolved issues be left to the elected parliament. Yet, there’s still no election date—just vague suggestions about February or April. Meanwhile, suspicion is growing: are these disruptions part of a plan to derail the election?”
Firoz also criticized the justice process, saying mass case filings risk undermining judicial credibility. “The government brought 166 reform items to the table—far too many for an interim administration. The real priority should have been limited reforms and timely elections.”
Mustak Hossain, a presidium member of Bangladesh Jasad, said that the interim government’s authority was never meant to be long-term. “This government’s main job was to stabilize the country and deliver elections. But criminals now act without fear. Mob perpetrators are getting immunity. The government should have focused on minimum reforms, not an endless agenda.”
He added, “The longer the uncertainty lasts, the worse the law and order situation becomes. Public support for an unelected government doesn’t last forever. People are already seeing that the government cannot control events. This perception alone can make the situation unmanageable.”
Hossain also pointed to a pattern of alarming incidents: “From the Milestone school tragedy and the Gopalganj unrest to violence near the Secretariat—each event chips away at public confidence. If the government doesn’t act urgently and sincerely on elections, the crisis will deepen.”
While the interim administration has found some success in remittance flows—helping to stabilize foreign reserves—political observers argue that this is not enough to offset its broader failures. The U.S. tariffs on Bangladesh remain unresolved, and some decisions—such as engaging foreign companies for port management—are being criticized as beyond the mandate of an unelected government.
Overall, political leaders stress that the government must narrow its focus and commit firmly to an election timeline to retain any semblance of legitimacy. Otherwise, Bangladesh may see rising instability in the months ahead.
