Dhaka, Bangladesh — In a dramatic turn of events, the long-standing regime of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ended end, thanks to unprecedented student-led protests that have reshaped the political landscape of Bangladesh. Hasina, who had held power since 2009, faced intense opposition from Gen-Z activists demanding democratic reforms. protests, however, were met with severe crackdowns by security forces and Awami League party loyalists, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.
Earlier this month, Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Laureate and renowned social entrepreneur, was sworn in as interim leader. His appointment, a central demand of student protesters, has been hailed by many as a “second liberation” for Bangladesh, echoing the country’s fight for independence half a century ago.
Key Reforms Needed for a Democratic Transition
As Bangladesh embarks on this new chapter, experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the success and sustainability of the transition. interim government, led by Yunus, must address three critical areas:
- Reforming Security Sector
police and military, both deeply entangled in human rights violations and political corruption under Hasina’s rule, face a severe legitimacy crisis. Immediate reforms include:
- Dismantling Abusive Units: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and similar units known for their abuses must be reformed or disbanded. Replacements should be made based on merit and include diverse recruits.
- Military Accountability: Continued investigations into military personnel involved in abuses are crucial. Units like the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, implicated in illegal activities, should be reformed or dismantled.
- Independent Oversight: Establishing an independent commission, with potential support from U.N. entities, will be essential to oversee the reforms and restore public trust.
- Implementing Constitutional Reforms
and concentration of power in the executive branch has contributed to Bangladesh’s authoritarian drift. Proposed constitutional changes include:
- Redefining Presidency: Transform the presidency into a non-partisan role, removing the Prime Minister’s power to appoint the President. The president should gain authority to appoint heads of key state bodies with recommendations from nonpartisan experts.
- Enhancing Legislative Oversight: Introduce more robust legislative oversight mechanisms and remove mandates requiring parliamentarians to vote strictly along party lines.
- Depoliticizing Judiciary and State Institutions
To ensure judicial impartiality and independence, the interim government must:
- Reform Judicial Appointments: Eliminate a two-year extension rule for retired judges, which compromises judicial independence. Ensure that judicial appointments are based on merit.
- Insulate Key Institutions: Protect state institutions, including the Election and Anti-Corruption Commission, from political influence. Appointments should be made through an independent committee and require parliamentary approval with opposition support.
A Pivotal Moment for Bangladesh
the success of the student-led movement offers Bangladesh a critical opportunity to address past mistakes and build a more democratic future. With a relatively stable economy and a robust civil society, the country stands at a crossroads. Yunus’s interim government must act decisively to implement the reforms and lay the groundwork for a truly democratic system.
As Bangladesh navigates this transformative period, the international community and local stakeholders will be watching closely, hopeful that the nation can forge a new path that reflects the aspirations of its people.
- Hasina, floods, visas: What’s troubling India-Bangladesh relations? Al Jazeera English
- Opinion | An Old Bangladeshi Reflex Threatens Its Revolution The New York Times
- How Bangladesh Can Become a True Democracy TIME
- Bangladesh’s many fault lines explain its turmoil Hindustan Times
- Former envoy to Bangladesh is expert at Explained event today The Indian Express
