Why citizens still worried during interim govt period

We, the common citizens, have for the first time supported an interim government without a referendum - which may be somewhat controversial according to the constitution; but in terms of reality, we have had to accept it as necessary. Because, despite 54 years of independence, Bangladesh has never been able to build a complete, effective and sustainable democratic system. Instead, lust for power, corruption, enforced disappearances and murders, rape, extortion, and administrative failures of the country's political parties for a long time have pushed the nation into a deep pit of distrust.

This interim period should not be viewed merely as a window for managing an election. Rather, it must serve as a time of self-criticism—an opportunity to evaluate where the state structure has collapsed and what new national vision might emerge in the face of that collapse. At this moment, there are six critical areas in which, without bold actions, the future of democracy may virtually vanish. This brief review will focus on those issues.

Crisis in judiciary and rule of law
One of the greatest political and social tragedies in today’s Bangladesh is the culture of impunity. Even when there are allegations of abduction, murder, rape, or corruption, investigations often do not take place, or cases remain unresolved for years. This has created a crisis of confidence among the public in the judiciary. We urge the interim government to ensure an environment where the judiciary can function independently and free from political influence. Powerful offenders must not remain above the law, and every plaintiff must receive justice—this should be the first step in rethinking the state.

Election commission’s independence and credibility issue
A credible election is not only a prerequisite for political peace but also for establishing the foundation of democracy. However, if the Election Commission operates under political influence, that foundation becomes shaky. The current government must ensure the Election Commission’s full independence, administrative and financial authority, and principled neutrality—so they can fulfill their constitutional responsibilities without pressure from any political party. The public must be able to feel that a truly free, fair, and inclusive election is coming.

Structural administrative weaknesses and need for political neutrality
Partisanship, influential appointments, and political loyalty have long undermined the professionalism of the administration. As a result, we witness disrupted service delivery at the grassroots level, and corruption easily takes root. The interim government should now initiate the formation of a neutral and competent civil service—where recruitment, promotion, and transfers are based on merit and integrity, not political loyalty. Without this reform, the outcome of any election will remain fragile and short-lived.

Digital surveillance and freedom of expression
In a democratic state, freedom of thought and expression is not just a right—it reflects the ethical foundation of the state. However, in recent years, the Digital Security Act, online monitoring, and various harassing lawsuits have created a culture of fear among citizens. The interim government should reassess these policies and take initiatives to transform "Digital Bangladesh" into a "Democratic Bangladesh"—where speaking the truth is not a crime, but a civic duty.

Lack of ethical and civic values in education
Education is the most effective tool in long-term nation-building. Yet our curriculum is nearly devoid of lessons on ethics, democracy, human rights, and civic responsibility. This void has led to a culture of violence, intolerance, and unethical behavior. A visionary step by the interim government could be to incorporate civic education, anti-corruption values, and democratic principles into the curriculum—thus laying a moral foundation for the next generation. This would mark the beginning of a true national resurrection.

Participation and state recognition of expatriate Bangladeshis
Expatriates not only sustain the economy through remittances, but they also bring experience, technology, and global perspectives—which can be immensely beneficial in state governance. Yet, they remain marginalized in policy-making. The interim government should initiate a regular and constructive dialogue with the expatriate community and meaningfully integrate their expertise and experience into reforms and decision-making. Ignoring this vast global human resource would be self-destructive for a liberal democratic Bangladesh.

In this context, the public support for the current interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus reflected a sense of hope—a desire to witness something new, to expect change. But many of the government’s decisions, actions, and administrative failures have now come under question. Due to shortsighted and uncoordinated initiatives, there is growing unrest and anxiety among the people. When citizens see that the same old administrative practices persist—with no accountability, no public representation, and rising corruption—how can they be expected to place their trust in this government?

We would like to remind everyone that we, the people, are the true owners of this state. The system of governance should operate as a reflection of our will. Both the administration and the government are appointed to serve us—not to exert power over us. Unfortunately, it seems that this fundamental truth has not yet been fully realised by our administration.

We humbly appeal to Dr Yunus to make the anti-corruption drive at every level of the country real and effective. Identify the deep-rooted political-administrative collusion behind corruption and take exemplary action. Take strict punitive measures against those involved in enforced disappearances, killings, terrorism, or repression—but let those actions remain within the bounds of law and upholding human rights standards.

We want to state clearly that democracy is not just about elections—it is about citizens' rights, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the accountability of state institutions. If the interim government truly intends to hold a transparent, credible, and corruption-free election, it must first align the state machinery with the people. And if political parties genuinely believe in democracy, that belief must be reflected in their actions. Unfortunately, they themselves have become accustomed to anti-democratic behavior—so how can the public trust them?

We believe the greatest challenge for this government is not merely to hold a fair election, but to lay the foundation for a just, independent, and humane system of governance. For that, what is needed is administrative transparency, political courage, and above all, sincere respect for the people. Otherwise, this government too will fade into history like the many failed regimes before it. We dream of a Bangladesh where speaking the truth is not a threat, but a duty.

At this moment, the future of the country depends on the goodwill, foresight, and courageous decisions of the interim government. If they carry out this historic responsibility with sincerity and for the welfare of the people, then perhaps for the first time Bangladesh will be able to build the foundation of a true democracy, accountable administration, and citizen dignity. Let this government not be merely a mechanism to hold an election—but rather become a moral example that will compel all future rulers and state institutions to respect and be accountable to the people.

We dream of that Golden Bengal, born from the sacrifices and ideals of the true freedom fighters of Bengal—where people’s rights will never be trampled underfoot, freedom of speech will be sacred, and the state machinery will be a symbol of trust, not fear. We want a Bangladesh where the future of children is not shrouded in fog, where ordinary people are not dependent on the state, but the state itself serves the people. Today’s interim government stands at a crucial crossroads on the path to establishing such a truly independent state. On this journey, never forget—power is bestowed upon you, but the true owners are the people.

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