The Interim Government of Bangladesh : A Scathing Report Card

In the wake of a so-called radical revolution, the self-proclaimed Interim Government has emerged, not as a beacon of progress or reform as it claims, but as a force of destruction bent on dismantling the very essence of Bangladesh’s sovereignty, democratic principles, and hard-won progress. Proclaiming themselves as saviours of the nation, they have instead become architects of anarchy, driving the country toward chaos and undermining its foundational pillars. The rhetoric of transformative change and a promised “Second Republic” has proven to be hollow propaganda, concealing their true agenda of consolidating power through regressive policies, authoritarian control, and deceit.

The idea of a “Second Republic” is particularly egregious, as it challenges the core identity of Bangladesh. The nation’s very foundation was laid through the sacrifices of millions during the Liberation War of 1971. This war marked the genesis of a sovereign state born from the dreams of freedom, equality, and justice. By pushing for a redefined republic, the Interim Government has shown a blatant disregard for history, seeking to erase the legacy of those who gave their lives for independence. This narrative undermines the achievements of the past 54 years and insults the collective memory of a nation that fought valiantly for its freedom. It signals an insidious attempt to rewrite history, where revolutionary rhetoric is used to justify dismantling the ideals the country was built upon.

Far from delivering the stability and progress they promised, the actions of this interim regime have plunged the nation into unprecedented levels of lawlessness and disorder. With institutions crumbling under political pressure, law enforcement agencies compromised, and the judiciary paralyzed, Bangladesh teeters on the brink of complete anarchy. Corruption and nepotism are rampant, and any semblance of governance has given way to mob culture, vigilante justice, and fear-driven decision-making. The government’s inability—or unwillingness—to uphold the rule of law has left citizens feeling abandoned and insecure in their country. Instead of fostering unity, they have sown seeds of division, creating an atmosphere of hostility and distrust that threatens the nation’s social fabric.

The regressive policies and destructive governance of this Interim Government have obliterated Bangladesh’s significant gains since independence. Once a model for developing nations, the country is now mired in economic stagnation, social unrest, and political instability. The leadership has exhibited a dangerous disregard for constitutional sanctity, tampering with its provisions to suit its authoritarian ambitions. This contempt for democratic principles is matched only by their cynical manipulation of public sentiment, using revolutionary slogans to cover their failures and malfeasance.

What follows is a detailed examination of this government’s critical failures—a damning report card that paints a bleak and hopeless picture of their incompetence, dishonesty, and dangerous agenda. From undermining Bangladesh’s independence to fostering chaos, tampering with the constitution, and betraying the trust of its people, this Interim Government represents a dark chapter in the nation’s history, one that demands accountability and justice.

1. Undermining the Sacrifice of 1971: The Myth of a “Second Republic

The Interim Government’s audacious claim of establishing a “Second Republic” is a direct insult to the millions who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971. The so-called revolution’s leaders seem intent on erasing the historical achievements of Bangladesh’s independence and dishonouring the blood-soaked legacy of those who fought for freedom. This notion of a Second Republic undermines the legitimacy of the existing nation-state, one born out of immense struggle. It stands as an insult to the foundational values of sovereignty, independence, and democracy.

In pushing for this fraudulent republic, the Interim Government reveals itself as a vehicle of ideological colonization, a force trying to rewrite history in favour of its myopic, self-serving narratives. By attempting to render the 1971 war obsolete, they have alienated millions of Bangladeshis who see this as a betrayal of the nation’s founding principles.

2. Complete Anarchy and Lawlessness

If there is one hallmark of this Interim Government, it is their unparalleled ability to foster chaos. From rampant mob violence to institutional dysfunction, the country has descended into lawlessness under their reign. Civil institutions are paralyzed, the judiciary has lost its independence, and the law enforcement agencies have been co-opted into tools of oppression rather than justice. This anarchy is not accidental but an intentional strategy to perpetuate fear, silence dissent, and consolidate power.

Ordinary citizens have no faith in the rule of law, and corruption has spiralled out of control. Vigilantism and mob rule have replaced the justice system, further eroding public trust. The so-called revolution promised order and reform; instead, it delivered unbridled chaos.

3. Obliterating the Gains of Bangladesh Over the Last 54 Years

Over five decades, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in multiple sectors, from economic growth and social development to strides in education, women’s empowerment, and technology. Yet, in the short span of its rule, the Interim Government has managed to unravel much of this progress. Fueled by policy mismanagement and international isolation, economic stagnation has reversed years of poverty alleviation and infrastructural development.

The social fabric, meticulously woven over decades, is now fraying under the weight of polarization and sectarianism encouraged by the government. Bangladesh, which had emerged as a model for developing nations, is now teetering on the edge of irrelevance, thanks to this interim regime’s regressive policies and visionless governance.

4. Tampering with the Constitution

The Interim Government has shown no hesitation in tampering with the constitution—a document born out of the struggles of 1971 and the aspirations of an independent people. These unconstitutional amendments are not reforms but blatant power grabs designed to legitimize their authoritarian rule.

In doing so, they are destabilizing the country’s legal foundation and threatening the fragile balance of democratic governance. Their attempts to institutionalize changes that serve their agenda betray their contempt for constitutional sanctity and the people’s will. These reckless actions create a legal and political vacuum that risks plunging the nation into prolonged instability.

5. Betraying Their Own Charter

Ironically, the Interim Government’s actions contradict the charter they laid out. What was once billed as a temporary arrangement to bring stability and reform has become a power-hungry, directionless regime. They have disregarded every principle of transparency, accountability, and impartiality, revealing themselves as hypocrites whose only goal is the consolidation of power.

This betrayal underscores the Interim Government’s leadership’s lack of vision and sincerity. Their charter has become a farce, a hollow document that no longer holds any value, even to themselves.

6. Removing the Portrait of Bangladesh’s Founder

Perhaps the most symbolic and sinister move of this government has been the removal of the portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation, from the Presidential Palace. This is more than just an act of historical revisionism—it is an outright declaration of their intent to erase Bangladesh’s identity and heritage. By undermining the legacy of Bangabandhu, they are erasing the soul of the nation, replacing it with their distorted vision.

This move has outraged citizens across the country and the diaspora, further isolating the government from the people. It is a disgraceful attempt to delegitimize the very foundation upon which modern Bangladesh stands.

7. Dodging the Forthcoming Election

True to its authoritarian tendencies, the Interim Government is employing every tactic to avoid the upcoming elections. From manipulating the electoral process to suppressing opposition voices, its aim is clear: to cling to power at all costs. Its fear of a democratic mandate is telling, as it reflects its awareness of its unpopularity and the illegitimacy of its rule.

By undermining free and fair elections, they are pushing the country further away from democratic norms and risking international condemnation. Their actions reveal a desperate regime willing to sacrifice the nation’s democratic future for their survival.

8. Suspicious Closeness to Pakistan

The Interim Government’s alarming cosiness with Pakistan is a betrayal of Bangladesh’s hard-won sovereignty. Fifty-four years after independence, this government’s overtures to a country whose forces inflicted untold atrocities on the people of Bangladesh are deeply disturbing. Their proximity to Pakistan raises serious questions about their intentions and allegiances.

This relationship is not just a slap in the face of the nation’s history—it is a threat to its independence. The government’s actions suggest a willingness to compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty in exchange for regional alliances that serve its agenda.

9. Mob Culture in the Name of Revolution

The Interim Government’s reliance on mob culture is a dangerous precedent that threatens the very fabric of the nation. Their use of mob violence to silence dissent and enforce their rule reveals their inability to govern through legitimate means. They are fostering a culture of fear, instability, and lawlessness by perpetuating mob rule.

This mob mentality is eroding social cohesion and pitting communities against each other. Far from being a tool of revolution, it is a weapon of destruction that is tearing the country apart.

10. Appointment of Unqualified Advisors

Appointing unqualified and inexperienced advisors to the Interim Government is a testament to its incompetence. These individuals lack the expertise, experience, and vision required to run a public office, let alone guide a nation through a period of turmoil. This nepotism and cronyism have resulted in disastrous policies and decision-making, further exacerbating the country’s crises.

Instead of relying on capable professionals, the government has surrounded itself with sycophants and opportunists, ensuring their failures will only multiply.

11. Is It All Going to Fall Flat?

In a word, yes. The Interim Government’s foundation is built on lies, incompetence, and betrayal. Their agenda is unsustainable, their support base is dwindling, and their policies are leading the country toward collapse. The people of Bangladesh, with their resilience and love for democracy, will not tolerate this regime for long.

History has shown that regimes built on deceit and oppression eventually crumble under the weight of their contradictions. The Interim Government is no exception. Their inability to deliver on their promises, combined with their destructive policies, ensures that their fall is inevitable. The only question is how much damage they will inflict before they are consigned to the dustbin of history.

Conclusion

The Interim Government, born from a so-called radical revolution, has proven to be an unmitigated disaster. From undermining the sacrifices of 1971 to fostering lawlessness, tampering with the Constitution, and aligning with historical enemies, it has betrayed the nation at every turn. It’s visionless governance and authoritarian tactics are pushing Bangladesh toward the brink. It is not a matter of if but when this house of cards will collapse, leaving the nation to pick up the pieces again.