Time for interim government to step down: Debapriya

Eminent economist and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, has called for the immediate resignation of the current interim government, emphasizing the urgent need to clarify the process for its exit from power.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dr Bhattacharya, along with a group of political analysts, criticized the interim government for failing to meet public expectations despite its prolonged tenure. They urged for swift elections to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

Political parties remain deeply divided on three major issues: elections, reforms, and justice. A significant point of contention revolves around the election method, with Jamaat and the National Citizen Party (NCP) advocating for a proportional representation (PR) system, while the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists on maintaining the conventional direct election process.

In this context, Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, chairman of Democracy Dias Bangladesh, presented findings from a recent study examining the tenure, achievements, and shortcomings of interim governments across 26 countries. The study revealed that 16 nations held elections within a short period, which contributed to restoring political stability and fast-tracking reforms.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s situation, the researchers noted that the current interim government has been granted more time than necessary but has largely failed to deliver on promises. They described the government’s reform efforts as largely ineffective.

A key focus of the discussion was the practicality of implementing the proportional representation system in Bangladesh. Experts pointed out that the general population remains largely unfamiliar with PR, and those pushing for the system appear to be motivated more by political party interests than national welfare. Many view the demand for PR as a tactic to prolong the government’s stay.

The speakers warned that the government’s extended tenure has contributed to worsening economic conditions, deteriorating law and order, and increasing national instability. They stressed that only timely elections could alleviate the current crises.

Concluding the session, Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya declared, “The current government’s time is up. It is time for them to go.” He and other analysts cautioned that continued delays in stepping down would deepen the country’s political and socio-economic challenges.