Bangladesh has long been plagued by political violence stemming from the dynastic rivalry between Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman. Yet the present moment feels different. As the country moves toward elections scheduled for February next year, its political landscape is being reshaped under the caretaker administration of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus — formed after mass student protests had brought down Hasina's increasingly autocratic government.

The Yunus-led interim set-up assumed power with an ambitious promise: to rebuild a state hollowed out by years of authoritarian rule. After three consecutive and increasingly repressive terms under Sheikh Hasina, nearly every major institution — from the judiciary and civil service to the police and election commission — had been politically co-opted. Reforming these institutions was essential to restoring democratic legitimacy.

Yunus, long celebrated as an advocate of integrity and good governance, appeared uniquely suited to the task. Declaring........

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