Three Months of Mass Uprising: Achievements and Expectations

Today marks three months since the end of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule, brought down by the anti-discrimination uprising led by students and the public. This movement, which forced Sheikh Hasina to leave her post and the country on August 5, began a new chapter focused on creating a liberal, democratic, and non-discriminatory Bangladesh.

Few expected such a government, resistant to reform demands such as quotas in government jobs, to fall so swiftly. Even the movement's leaders, who declared the single demand of resignation only two days before Hasina stepped down on August 3, didn’t fully anticipate it. In the following days, violent confrontations spread across the nation, leading to a “March to Dhaka” campaign that further destabilized the regime. The military’s decision to support the public hastened the movement’s success, with news of Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, seeking asylum in India spreading by midday on August 5. Though Rehana held no official position, she faces allegations of corruption under Hasina’s government, while Hasina herself faces accusations of "genocide," with a tribunal beginning to address these charges.

Why did people from all walks of life unite in this struggle? What minimum goals did they share that brought them together?

On August 8, Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government dedicated to reform. Now, approaching its third month, economists claim some stability has returned to the fractured economy, while politicians voice concerns over a lack of decisive actions toward reform and timely elections.

The Finance Division reports that the new government inherited a public debt of 18.36 trillion taka (about $6,790 billion in external debt), with the burden of repayments now falling on the current administration. As Hasina’s autocratic rule ended, extensive corruption and state-sponsored embezzlement came to light. Recently, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that businesses close to Hasina withdrew around $17 billion from banks. On November 1, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman reiterated this information, adding that 40% of the 1.734 trillion taka (allocated over 15 years for development) was looted.

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The interim government, formed amidst high expectations, faces various challenges, from public service demands to restoring a functional police force. While many expected reforms to be the top priority, certain delays have raised concerns. Of the eleven proposed commissions for reform, only five have been formally announced. This delay in electoral plans worries opposition parties like the BNP, who fear a resurgence of defeated powers. Consequently, anti-authoritarian factions, including the BNP, are calling for prompt elections.

President Md. Sahabuddin’s recent comments on Hasina’s resignation spurred debate, with some parties differing over whether they supported the resignation. Similarly, the student movement’s stance against the Jatiya Party did not gain full BNP backing. While there’s some support for the interim government, political circles are voicing criticism, particularly around lingering instability in educational institutions. In addition, twelve judges were suspended, accused of aiding Hasina’s government, and the Supreme Court annulled the Sixteenth Amendment, resolving a long-standing issue concerning judicial independence.

With political demands mounting for early elections, the government has formed an exploratory committee to reorganize the Election Commission. On October 31, interim Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul announced that the administration had embarked on a path toward elections. Meanwhile, the presence of armed forces to maintain law and order has brought a degree of public calm, though rising costs of essential goods remain a major concern.

Since the appointment of a new central bank governor, public trust in banks is gradually recovering, evidenced by remittances reaching $2 billion in August alone. Foreign reserves have stabilized, with the International Monetary Fund and World Bank pledging support despite pre-existing debt. A task force was formed on September 11 to address banking sector reforms, focusing on financial stability, problematic loans, and liquidity.

According to Dr. Mustafa K. Mujeri, former Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, while recent economic measures are positive, they remain insufficient for full recovery. He highlights the need for policies that boost public and private investment, revitalize small and medium industries, and support agriculture to enhance employment and economic activity.

Political appraisals vary, with BNP leaders like Gayeshwar Chandra Roy reflecting that while Hasina’s departure has lifted a “fifteen-year oppression,” uncertainty lingers over future elections. Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson Matiur Rahman expressed hope that the “spirit of the revolution” will endure, though he criticized the government for its unpreparedness for quick elections.

In a press statement on November 4, Communications Adviser Md. Nahid Islam reiterated the government's commitment to holding elections based on national consensus once essential reforms are completed. Rahman noted that while progress is ongoing, corruption and partisan influences within the bureaucracy and judiciary remain challenges.

Saiful Haque, leader of the Revolutionary Workers Party and the Democracy Platform, acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic stability and remittance inflows but mentioned concerns over inflation and public safety. Haque also noted that while efforts to prosecute individuals responsible for past atrocities are underway, the government’s lack of coordination and the heavy burden of public expectations remain pressing issues.

Communist Party General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince remarked on the government’s unclear roadmap, noting that the public expected swift action to control inflation and restore law and order. Though some measures have been taken, he said that political dissent is still being suppressed. Reports of violence against minority communities and workers further compound public discontent.

According to Prince, the interim government's top priorities should be immediate electoral reforms and a swift, credible election to transition power to an elected government. However, delays in forming a new Election Commission under previous laws raise doubts. The government’s ultimate challenge lies in effectively unifying the nation to complete necessary reforms and hold timely, trustworthy elections.