Nearly six months after the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Muhammad Yunus leads a transitional government in Bangladesh focused on democratic reforms. Four commissions have proposed constitutional and electoral changes, emphasizing public engagement. Key recommendations include term limits for leaders, a neutral interim government for elections, and a lower voting age. Amid calls for renewed governance, the police reform group seeks to address corruption and abuse, particularly regarding the controversial Rapid Action Battalion.
Bangladesh’s Path to Democratic Reform
Nearly six months have elapsed since a significant uprising in Bangladesh led to the ousting of the authoritarian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Following her departure in early August, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed to spearhead a transitional government. Yunus has since formed multiple commissions aimed at drafting proposals to enhance democracy within the country. Recently, these commissions unveiled their initial recommendations for constitutional and electoral reforms.
Proposals for a New Bangladesh
In Dhaka, Yunus expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh as he received the reports from various working groups. He described their proposals as a blueprint for a new era that the nation eagerly anticipates. The 84-year-old economist emphasized that these ideas would undergo extensive public discourse. Four distinct commissions have presented their reform strategies, focusing on the constitution, the electoral framework, police operations, and anti-corruption measures.
The proposals aimed at constitutional amendments have captured the most public interest. A debate has emerged regarding whether to amend the original text from 1971 or to draft a completely new constitution. Many advocates from the student movement that catalyzed the uprising against Hasina are calling for a fresh constitution, as the existing one is heavily tied to the discredited Awami League regime.
The transitional government is tasked with overseeing the upcoming elections. The reform commission, led by political scientist Ali Riaz, suggests retaining the current constitution while proposing essential changes to avert a return to autocracy. Key recommendations include limiting the terms of the president and prime minister to two four-year terms and reinstating a neutral interim government for elections—an arrangement dismantled by Hasina in 2009.
Furthermore, the commission advocates for the creation of a second parliamentary chamber to enhance democratic oversight and diminish the likelihood of power abuse. Lowering the minimum voting age from 25 to 21 is also proposed to ensure better representation of youth in the legislative process. The establishment of a constitutional council with representatives from the government, opposition, and all three branches of government is also on the agenda.
After controversial parliamentary elections in 2014, 2018, and early 2024, there is widespread consensus in Bangladesh about the need for reforms to guarantee fair elections. The electoral reform working group has proposed measures to enhance the independence and authority of the election commission. Additionally, candidates facing serious charges, including murder and corruption, should be barred from participating in elections.
The timeline for these elections remains uncertain. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), eager to regain power after years in opposition, is advocating for swift elections. In contrast, Yunus’ transitional government and the student movement stress the importance of implementing foundational reforms first to prevent future power abuses. Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman has backed this approach, suggesting new elections could occur within 12 to 18 months.
During its 15 years in power, Hasina’s Awami League has systematically undermined state institutions to silence opposition. Since her fall, revelations have surfaced regarding the extent of corruption and mismanagement under her administration. However, the BNP, which governed during two separate terms, also faced allegations of corruption and clientelism.
It is increasingly critical to establish robust mechanisms for addressing corruption and preventing the misuse of police powers against opposition members. The notorious Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) gained infamy under Hasina for its violent tactics and extrajudicial actions against dissenters. Reports of police brutality during the summer’s student protests, which resulted in over a thousand injuries, further underscore the need for reform.
The police reform working group has recommended reviewing the RAB’s existence and ensuring that interrogations at police stations occur under independent supervision to prevent torture. They stress that the use of force must be precise and proportional. These proposals aim to build on prior court rulings that were never effectively enacted. Whether the suggested reforms will lead to meaningful changes in combating corruption, power abuse, and police violence remains to be seen.