Yunus Govt Triumphantly Switches to Election Gear in a Year

Vote casting. Photo collected.

As Bangladesh marks the completion one year of the Interim Government’s tenure, the nation stands at a historic juncture—one shaped by the seismic July Declaration of 2024, which ended nearly 16 years of autocratic and dynastic rule. The mass upsurge that led to the fall of fascism was not merely a political event; it was a collective assertion of the people's will, a cry for justice, accountability, and democratic restoration.

The July Declaration, forged in the crucible of popular resistance, laid the foundation for a new constitutional consensus. While critics argue that the Declaration remains incomplete and fails to fully reflect the aspirations of the people, it undeniably catalyzed a transformative process. The Interim Government, born out of this upheaval, was tasked with the monumental responsibility of stabilizing a shattered state and preparing the nation for a democratic transition.

In just over a year, the Interim Government has implemented 16 out of the 121 proposed reforms—targeting the most critical sectors: administration, police, and judiciary. These reforms were not cosmetic; they were structural interventions aimed at reversing decades of institutional decay. The civil service, once paralyzed by partisanship and corruption, has begun to regain its integrity and functionality. After the July uprising, police stations were abandoned, and morale was at an all-time low. Today, the force has been reconstituted, its confidence is steadily being restored, and its role redefined to serve—not suppress—the people. The judiciary, long manipulated by dynastic interests, is now being recalibrated to uphold constitutionalism and impartial justice.

The merger of five failing banks into a single functional entity and the stabilization of the money market are no small feats. These moves signal a commitment to economic recovery and institutional coherence, even as the government grapples with the legacy of plunder and mismanagement.

It is true that the pace of reform has not met the expectations of all. Some political factions have voiced concern that the July Declaration lacks depth and inclusivity. Their critique is valid—but it must be contextualized. The Interim Government inherited a devastated economy, a demoralized bureaucracy, and a judiciary unsure of its role in a post-fascist landscape. Efficiency, in such circumstances, is not measured by speed alone but by resilience and direction.

Perhaps the most significant achievement of the Interim Government is the transition to election mode. For the first time in 18 years, the people of Bangladesh are preparing to cast their votes in a free and fair election scheduled for February 2026. This is not just a procedural milestone—it is reclamation of democratic right.

The path ahead remains fraught with challenges. But the Interim Government has laid the groundwork for a democratic renewal. It has not been perfect, but it has been purposeful. As the baton passes to the people, the promise of the July Declaration must now be fulfilled—not just by governments, but by citizens determined to safeguard their sovereignty.