Tough challenges await new government

With the conclusion of the thirteenth national parliamentary election on 12 February, Bangladesh is about to enter a significant and complex phase in its political journey. This election is not merely about a transfer of power or the formation of a new government; rather, it is taking place against the backdrop of prolonged political polarization, mounting economic pressure, and growing international diplomatic concerns. As a result, while public expectations of the incoming government will be immense, the challenges awaiting it will be equally formidable and structural in nature—according to political analysts.

Experts identify several major challenges that the new government is likely to face after the election:

Post-Election Stability and Law and Order

Maintaining stability in the post-election period will be one of the government’s first major tests. Incidents of violence, retaliatory lawsuits, and political harassment could intensify after the polls. If allegations arise of repressive measures against leaders and activists of the Awami League or other political forces, the government may face pressure at home and abroad over human rights issues. Excessive use of force in the name of maintaining law and order could further aggravate the political crisis. The new government must demonstrate that it seeks inclusive democracy rather than politics of vengeance; otherwise, sustaining long-term political stability will be difficult.

Inflation and the Cost-of-Living Crisis

One of the most sensitive and immediate challenges for the new government will be controlling inflation. Rising prices of food, fuel, electricity, transportation, and healthcare have made everyday life increasingly difficult for ordinary people. After an election, public expectations are high that the government will quickly rein in the market. However, global economic pressures, import dependency, and weaknesses in domestic market management make inflation difficult to control. Prolonged inflation could lead not only to economic strain but also to political instability, as dissatisfaction among lower- and middle-income groups may fuel anti-government sentiment. Effective reform of subsidy systems, stronger market monitoring, and expansion of social safety-net programs will therefore be essential.

Economic Stress and Employment Pressure

Alongside inflation, challenges related to foreign currency reserves, exchange rates, non-performing loans in the banking sector, and revenue shortfalls have further complicated the economic landscape. Restoring investor confidence and increasing investment in productive sectors will be a key responsibility of the new government. Despite campaign promises, creating employment—especially for the large youth population—will remain a major hurdle. Educated unemployment, uncertainty in overseas labor markets, and stagnation in industrial investment are increasing the risk of social unrest. Failure to adopt employment-oriented policies quickly could turn economic pressure into a broader political crisis.

Governance and Corruption

After elections, the public typically expects visible and firm action against corruption. In reality, corruption is an institutional problem that cannot be eliminated without strong political will. Cost overruns in development projects, irregularities in the banking sector, and administrative corruption continue to weaken the economy. If the new government limits itself to symbolic gestures rather than structural reforms, public trust may erode rapidly. With the Awami League outside parliament, scrutiny from opposition forces and civil society on governance and corruption issues is likely to intensify.

The Rohingya Crisis

The Rohingya crisis remains a long-term and complex challenge for the new government. Bangladesh is currently hosting more than one million Rohingya refugees, placing significant strain on the country’s economy, environment, and security. As international assistance declines, conditions in the camps are deteriorating. Without safe and speedy repatriation, the crisis could evolve into a serious security threat, with rising risks of crime, drug trafficking, and smuggling in camp areas. The new government will have to intensify international diplomatic efforts and strengthen regional cooperation to address this issue, or risk becoming overwhelmed by multiple crises.

International Pressure and Diplomatic Balance

With the Awami League absent from the election, neighboring countries and Western powers are likely to pay closer attention to the new government. International pressure regarding elections, human rights, and democracy is expected to continue. At the same time, maintaining balanced relations with regional powers, development partners, and trade allies will be a strategic challenge. Export sectors—particularly the ready-made garment industry—are sensitive to the international political climate, and any diplomatic misstep could have negative economic consequences.

Political Legitimacy and the Impact of AL's Absence

Perhaps the most immediate and significant challenge for the new government will be establishing political legitimacy. The Awami League has been a dominant force in Bangladesh’s post-independence politics and has governed for extended periods. Its absence from the election has already raised questions, both domestically and internationally, about parliamentary representation. With a large voter base and political ideology remaining outside parliament, concerns have emerged over whether the legislature truly reflects all segments of society. There is also the possibility that the Awami League may intensify street-based political activities. If the party adopts an agitation-centric strategy outside parliament, political instability could persist.

Moreover, defeated parties or alliances may also resort to protest movements. Without dialogue and tolerance toward opposition forces, political divisions could deepen, posing serious risks to governance.

Commenting on the situation, legal and constitutional expert and political analyst Dr. Shahdeen Malik told Views Bangladesh, “The new government formed after the thirteenth national parliamentary election will face both a new opportunity and an unprecedented burden of challenges. The Awami League’s absence raises questions of political legitimacy, inflation has made life difficult for ordinary people, and the Rohingya crisis remains a silent threat for the future. These issues must be addressed with prudence; otherwise, not only the government but the country as a whole could face serious difficulties.”

International relations and South Asian politics analyst Dr. Delwar Hossain told Views Bangladesh, “The success of the new government emerging from the thirteenth national parliamentary election will depend on inclusive politics, realistic economic reforms, and responsible diplomatic strategies. If the government acknowledges the crises and takes bold, forward-looking decisions, this difficult period could become a turning point for Bangladesh. Otherwise, the challenges will deepen further, putting the country’s political and economic stability at risk and plunging the much-anticipated new government into serious trouble.”