What Supports the Interim Government?

Puron Das

A person stands on their legs, supported by strength and health. A tree stands rooted in soil, with roots providing stability. A building stands on land, requiring a solid foundation underground. A state stands on its resources, economy, strength, and capacity. The government of a state, in turn, stands on the support of its people, enabled by proper management of these resources.

What is the foundation of Bangladesh’s current interim government? Firstly, the concept of an interim government is not present in the country’s constitution. Let’s assume that extraordinary circumstances necessitated its formation. Even then, why was the Supreme Court consulted? It was claimed that the interim government sought transparency and accountability by referring the matter to the court.

However, the situation raises questions. The Ministry of Law reportedly informed the Supreme Court about the prime minister’s resignation, citing a constitutional crisis. Yet, the resignation letter was not attached to the reference. Judges are expected to base opinions on evidence. Without seeing the resignation letter, how did the court provide its opinion? This ambiguity suggests judicial overreach.

Nevertheless, the government managed to form itself by sending the prime minister abroad. Let’s now analyze what this government has done and what it stands upon.

The interim government has halted various social welfare programs such as old-age pensions, widow allowances, and maternity benefits. Initiatives for low-income families, like subsidized essential goods distributed through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), have also been stopped. Among the one crore TCB family cards, 43 lakh have been canceled, reportedly targeting individuals considered aligned with the previous government.

Elected representatives in union, upazila, and district councils have been removed, which is both unlawful and unconstitutional. The government has banned the student organization Chhatra League. A significant portion of the population, including rural beneficiaries, supporters of the previous government, Chhatra League members, and dismissed representatives, have been alienated. What does the government intend to do with them? Expel them from the country? Remove them from voter lists?

Amid high inflation, the government has increased VAT and supplementary duties on over 90 products and services, including fruits, beverages, tobacco, restaurant meals, mobile talk-time, and internet usage. This disproportionately impacts middle- and low-income groups who are already struggling to make ends meet.

During the previous government’s tenure, internet services were made accessible in every union council. People in remote areas used internet-based services for daily tasks. The current tax hikes on internet services are causing severe hardship. Mobile phone users now have to pay 30% VAT on talk-time. Whose interests does this policy serve?

According to TCB data, the prices of essential goods have risen significantly. Coarse rice costs 3-4 taka more per kilogram, medium-quality rice is 2 taka costlier, and bottled soybean oil is being sold at 175 taka per liter. A five-liter bottle costs 850-855 taka. Basic commodities are increasingly unaffordable, leaving people in despair.

On the political front, instability continues. Questions arise about how anti-discrimination student movements and new political parties are funding their activities. Students reportedly use luxurious cars and rent high-end offices. Meanwhile, the new party leaders seek to annul the current constitution and declare a new independence manifesto.

Crime rates are soaring. Theft, robbery, extortion, and mugging are rampant. In Dhaka, muggings occur daily after sunset. Chhatra League and Awami League members are being indiscriminately targeted and killed. Alleged criminals are being released from prison while political opponents are jailed.

The media has largely become one-sided, vilifying the previous government while ignoring its achievements. Meanwhile, extortion at bus and CNG stations, harassment at airports, and passenger suffering on trains are everyday occurrences. Traffic congestion in Dhaka has worsened, and reports highlight the city’s unhealthy air quality.

Amid such adversity, what supports this interim government? The question remains unanswered.