Reforms have become a buzzword in post-Hasina Bangladesh.

The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, which took charge of the country on August 8, 2024, days after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been pushing for political, economic, and other reforms.

A little over a month after taking over the reins, Yunus announced the setting up of six commissions to reform the judiciary, election system, administration, police, Anti-Corruption Commission, and the constitution in order to prevent the recurrence of fascism or authoritarian rule in Bangladesh. “Reforming the police administration, public administration, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission, along with the Election Commission, is essential for a free and fair election,” Yunus said.

Several advisers in the interim government have echoed Yunus to say that reforms must precede elections.

On December 25, Asif Mahmud, the interim government’s local government adviser, said: “[R]eforms are very important. So many people didn’t sacrifice their lives just for an election or vote.” A month earlier, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the date of the next elections will be declared only after necessary reforms are carried out.

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