First 100 Days of Interim Government: Transparency International’s Report

Dhaka, 19th November, 2024-In the first 100 days of the current government in Bangladesh, multiple issues have emerged, including state and administrative instability, political polarization, and pressure on democratic institutions. Transparency International Bangladesh has analyzed the government’s activities and challenges in its report titled *”The 110 Days of the Interim Government”*, where several controversial decisions and a lack of transparency have been highlighted regarding the governance system.

Firstly, the process of restructuring state institutions has been marked by a lack of transparency and complexity. Commissions formed to reform bodies such as the Election Commission, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Human Rights Commission, and Information Commission have faced mismanagement and challenges during their operations. Notably, the government’s ad hoc decision-making tendency and lack of coordination among leadership have led to inefficiencies, especially in recruitment, administrative appointments, and political decisions. In many cases, decisions have been changed or revisited, creating uncertainty in government activities.

The government has also faced severe criticism over its handling of media and freedom of speech issues. There have been allegations of deliberate attacks on media organizations and lawsuits against journalists. Threats and attacks on multiple media outlets, coupled with the cancellation of their accreditations, have posed a serious threat to media freedom and freedom of expression. There have been accusations of pressure on civil society participation in certain areas, signaling an attempt to consolidate power within the government.

Moreover, there has been a significant rise in political patronage within the civil administration, with political allegiance and party loyalty being given more weight than merit in appointments, transfers, and promotions to key positions. Administrative stagnation and delays in assignments have also been observed, affecting the progress of various development projects across the country.

The law and order situation has been particularly concerning. Police neglect and a lack of commitment to their duties have contributed to an increase in violence, mob lynching, and political unrest in various parts of the country. Worker strikes, attacks on religious minorities, and the lack of law enforcement action have created uncertainty in the legislative process. Notably, communal violence and attacks on indigenous and religious minorities have escalated, raising concerns about the overall security situation.

A total of 80 prominent individuals, including ministers, MPs, and journalists, have been arrested. Additionally, 1,695 cases have been filed against those responsible for attacking students and the public, including those inciting and directing killings. As of October 13, 3,195 people have been arrested in connection to these cases, including 74 senior leaders of the Awami League.

In some cases, false and baseless cases have been filed, with accusations of politically motivated arrests and abuse of the legal process. Allegations have been made that arrest operations are being used for political vendettas, intimidation, and extortion, with some individuals being named as accused in order to settle personal scores.

Following the collapse of the previous government, reports indicate that over 600 people were killed and more than 10,000 injured across the country. The incidents of mob lynching have seen a sharp rise, with 65 fatalities recorded in such incidents. At least 90 workers were killed in various movements. Moreover, theft, robbery, and pickpocketing have increased across the country. Violent protests in nine jails led to casualties, and several prisoners have escaped, with some still at large. Instability has also been reported in industrial zones, where protests related to unpaid wages and other demands have been widespread, particularly in the garment and pharmaceutical industries. At the Gazi Tire factory, an attack and arson incident resulted in at least 175 deaths or disappearances.

There have also been reports of deaths among political party leaders and workers due to clashes over political dominance and violence. Incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting have been widespread, targeting homes, vehicles, and business establishments. Additionally, several top criminals, including Subrata Bain, ‘Pichchi Helal,’ and ‘Killer Abbas,’ have been linked to criminal activities after their release from prison.

Between August 5 and 20, there were 2,010 incidents of communal violence, leading to 9 deaths. According to one newspaper report, 1,068 establishments were attacked during this period. Attacks and arson have occurred at more than 50 shrines across the country, resulting in casualties. Cultural activities have also faced restrictions, with reports of interruptions at 22 cultural academies, and the staging of plays was halted due to protests. Furthermore, restrictions have been imposed on the organization of fairs.

In the legal sector, there have been allegations of political appointments and interference with judicial independence. Ongoing cases against the former government and the legal process following the change of power have raised questions, particularly regarding arrests and investigations into political opponents.

Against this backdrop, the first 100 days of the current government have witnessed rising political tensions, administrative instability, and a loss of trust in democratic institutions. While there have been some successes in government activities, the lack of transparency in the governance and judicial processes, along with negligence in protecting the basic rights of the people, has exacerbated the situation.