Riding high on hope, waiting for deliverance

Despite the deluge of optimism in Dhaka following the BNP’s win, Bangladesh’s political economy remains unchanged. This poses its own risks

- Avinash Paliwal

After 15 years of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League’s (AL) regime that is believed to have jailed thousands, disappeared hundreds, and killed over 1,400 people in July 2024 before being toppled by a mass uprising, and the ensuing uncertainty over the last 18 months, Bangladesh has finally turned a corner.

In the first free and fair, if not inclusive, elections since 2008, the Bangladeshi public has (reelected to power the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. The Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel), under the leadership of its ameer, Shafiqur Rahman, won 77 of 300 seats, whereas the BNP stands at 212. The referendum on the July National Charter that promises a structural overhaul of the country's body politic has also passed.

This is a strategically significant moment. Not only did the elections occur peacefully, but they also witnessed nearly 60% voter turnout. Instead of challenging the results and questioning the process, the Jelled coalition conceded defeat with grace. The army, which took a decisive political call in 2024 to end Hasina’s excesses, is committed to military professionalism and is steering clear of civilian politics.

Such is the power of an honest ballot that it is hard to overstate the emotional value of this moment for the Bangladeshi public. Be it the young who grew up under Hasina’s regime and never knew what genuine political participation looks like, or others with longer memories, these elections mark a watershed. The BNP now has a five-year mandate to deliver on Rahman's “plan for the people of my country”. The interim government and Bangladesh’s armed forces deserve credit for rebuilding the country’s political contract along democratic, civilian lines.