Interim government: Breakdown of trust and crisis of accountability

Following the mass uprising last August, the interim government of Bangladesh came to power with promises to restore democratic order and alleviate the suffering of ordinary people. It presented itself as a reform-oriented and good-governance-committed transitional caretaker government. But nearly a year later, the country is now plunged into deeper uncertainty—where extreme mismanagement, growing inequality, and a widening gap between state power and citizen welfare are becoming increasingly evident. What was supposed to be a bridge to stability is now turning into a fall into the abyss of uncertainty.

Public suffering and the weight of empty promises
Initially, it was said that the interim government would prioritise public welfare. But tens of millions of people in the country are still suffering from severe crises of electricity, clean water, healthcare, education, and security. The cost of living has increased alarmingly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, yet no effective steps are visible to ease the hardship of the common people.

Instead, many within the governing system seem more focused on solidifying their own power. As a result, the voice of ordinary people is now being drowned out by the noise of political manoeuvring.

Spread of corruption in the shadow of power
Rather than preventing corruption, the interim administration seems to be patronising it. Bureaucrats, local leaders, and ruling party affiliates—taking advantage of political impunity—have turned state institutions into tools of personal interest. Misuse of public funds, irregularities in project implementation, and lack of transparency in recruitment have become defining features of this government.

In this way, a kind of corruption-based collusion has emerged—where one corrupt individual protects another in exchange for loyalty. This lack of accountability has not only broken public trust but has also weakened governance based on law and justice.

Politics of promises, not of progress
Over the past ten months, the government has repeatedly promised anti-corruption drives, reforms in service sectors, and institutional development. But these have remained confined to rhetoric. No real or effective reform has taken place. Though new initiatives are announced with much fanfare, there is no concrete progress in implementation.

This display-oriented governance—where there is publicity but no policy commitment—has created widespread frustration among the people. No one believes in promises anymore; people want visible progress. Due to the absence of change, hope is turning into despair, and trust in leadership is eroding daily.

Special privileges, rewards for loyalty, and democratic decay
While the public was burdened with inflation, service failures, and political stagnation, a different reality was being created within the circles of power. Those close to the ruling class received appointments, contracts, and financial privileges. The interim leadership had claimed it would govern inclusively, but in reality, it has built a concentrated power centre.

This favouritism has weakened the foundations of democratic institutions—marginalising dissenting voices and civic participation. The government that was supposed to be neutral and people-centric has now turned into a machine serving partisan interests—where privileges matter more than policy, and loyalty is valued more than merit.

Dr Yunus: An international icon, but locally absent?
The person most associated with this interim period is Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus. His global contribution to microcredit and poverty alleviation is undeniable. But his association with this government has sparked widespread criticism at home. Many believe he has mostly remained occupied with international forums, honours, and media exposure—his engagement with the country’s rural realities has been very limited.

Critics believe that his involvement served more as part of personal brand building than solving real problems. Though the symbolic power of Grameen Bank lies in rural empowerment, it now seems out of touch with the real-life struggles of the poverty-stricken population.

To many ordinary people, Dr Yunus embodies a kind of duality—an international spokesperson for the poor, yet increasingly distanced from their actual lives.

The time for transparency and people-centric governance is now
The interim government came to power with promises of integrity, neutrality, and reform—all of which have now collapsed. A deep frustration has spread among the people, and in this void, a culture of corruption and power-centric plunder has grown. People were told they were part of a credible system; but over time, that system has become self-centred, inhumane, and indifferent to their suffering.

If Bangladesh wants to move forward—towards democratic renewal, social justice, and national unity—accountability must begin now. Leadership must be judged not by whether they gave speeches abroad, but by how much real development they have brought into the lives of ordinary people.

What is needed now is bold self-criticism and honest action. We must choose—power or principle, personal gain or public welfare? Anything less, and the existence of this interim government will be seen as nothing but a deception.

Rahman Mridha: Researcher, writer, and former director, Pfizer Sweden