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Interim Government under Professor Yunus: Duration of Power 

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Following the assumption of power by the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, a key discussion has emerged regarding the tenure of this government. Neither the constitution of Bangladesh nor any laws specify the duration or structure of this interim government, leading to widespread speculation.

 

In this context, on Saturday, Professor Asif Nazrul, the legal advisor to the new government, spoke to journalists about the government's tenure. He mentioned that the interim government would remain in power "as long as necessary to carry out reforms, including those in the Election Commission."

 

In the past two days, two other advisors to the new government also commented on this matter, but they did not provide any clear timeframe for their tenure. Legal experts have pointed out that this government was formed in a unique situation following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government through a mass uprising. Such a government structure is not mentioned in the constitution, and thus, there is no reference to its duration.

 

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, a legal expert, "When they feel the environment is ready for a fair election, they will announce it. Before that, no idea of the government's tenure can be established."

 

The interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Yunus includes a mix of experienced individuals and new faces, including student representatives. Analysts suggest that the performance of this government should be evaluated based on their actions.

 

After the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, there was no government in Bangladesh for three days. The advisors of the interim government took their oath on Thursday night under the leadership of Professor Yunus.

 

On the same day, the President of Bangladesh sought the opinion of the Supreme Court's Appellate Division regarding the formation of this interim government. Following this, the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, gave its approval for the formation of the interim government.

 

The current constitution of Bangladesh does not mention the existence of a caretaker or interim government, nor does it specify the tenure of such a government.

 

According to Article 123(3)(b) of the constitution, if the parliament is dissolved before the end of its term, an election must be held within 90 days. Article 123(4) states that if an election cannot be held due to any unforeseen circumstances, it must be held within 90 days after the last day of the term.

 

"Such situations should have been included in the constitution. Since they are not, nothing has been mentioned about the tenure of this government."

 

Political analysts suggest that the responsibility for reforms lay with political leaders, but since this did not happen, such a situation arose.

 

"Now, the focus should be more on reforms rather than the tenure. They will take as much time as needed for reforms."

 

The interim government, led by Professor Yunus, was announced on Tuesday by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The new interim government assumed power on Thursday.

 

The day before, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir demanded an election within three months after the formation of the interim government at a rally in front of the central office.

 

This has raised questions about whether the new government will be able to hold elections within three months or how long it will take to create a conducive environment for free and fair elections.

 

On Saturday, Professor Asif Nazrul, the Advisor for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, said, "There is a desire for reforms among the people. We will stay as long as necessary to balance the desire for reforms and the new election, neither more nor less. We will try to fulfill the responsibilities we have been given."

 

Additionally, several political parties, including Citizens' Unity and Democratic Left Alliance, have demanded elections within a short timeframe.

 

However, after the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Friday, Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "This interim government is for preparing the ground for a democratic journey in the country. We will only take the necessary time for this preparation."

 

The new government has started its work under the leadership of Professor Yunus, and analysts are watching closely.

 

The new government includes a mix of Nobel laureates, legal experts, former election commissioners, and student representatives. There have been significant changes in government positions, including the judiciary, law enforcement, and university administration. Many officials from various government institutions have also resigned voluntarily.

 

Analysts say that while the government has focused on restoring law and order, other challenges remain. Political analyst Mohiuddin Ahmed, "Most of the people who have taken responsibility in the new government are new faces. They will be evaluated after they start their work. For now, their focus should be on reorganizing the administration."

 

Especially on the day Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, many police stations across the country were vandalized by protesters. New arrangements have been made to make these stations operational again, and many have resumed their activities.

 

In this situation, the new government has emphasized the need to reorganize every sector in their first meeting on Friday. Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "We have discussed reforms in every sector. It cannot continue like this; the system must be changed. We will talk to everyone in society for this."

 

**Return of the Interim Government**

 

In 1990, military ruler Hussein Muhammad Ershad resigned under the pressure of a mass movement. After his resignation, an interim government was formed under the leadership of the then Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed. Mr. Ahmed was appointed as the head of the interim government based on the consensus of the political parties opposed to Mr. Ershad.

 

During the presidential government at that time, Vice President Moudud Ahmed resigned first, and then Mr. Ahmed became the Vice President. After the resignation of President Ershad, Mr. Ahmed assumed the position of President.

 

Under his leadership, the BNP came to power in the elections held in 1991. In the one-sided election held on February 15, 1996, the BNP, under the leadership of Khaleda Zia, formed the government.

 

The Awami League and other political parties opposed this election, demanding its annulment and the introduction of a caretaker government through a constitutional amendment. After intense nationwide protests, the election was annulled, and the caretaker government system was introduced in March 1996 through the 13th amendment to the constitution.

 

Subsequently, under the caretaker government, the 7th general election was held on June 12, 1996, the 8th in 2001, and the 9th in 2008. In 2011, the Supreme Court declared the caretaker government system unconstitutional in a ruling. The 15th amendment to the constitution passed on June 30 of that year abolished the caretaker government system.

 

After the caretaker government was removed from the constitution, Bangladesh's 10th, 11th, and 12th elections were held under Sheikh Hasina's leadership. In each one-sided election, the Awami League came to power. After Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure on August 5, the President of Bangladesh dissolved the parliament, leading to the reformation of an interim government after three decades.