Dhaka: The interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Dr Mohammad Yunus has initiated efforts to win back the trust and confidence of the people, which had been significantly eroded during the previous administration. This restoration of trust is attributed to the government’s inclusive approaches in decision-making related to state affairs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the interim government has undertaken several key measures since assuming office. These include administrative reshuffles, actions against corruption, rehabilitation of victims from the July uprising, formation of reform commissions, and efforts to restore international community confidence, particularly among development partners. Female coordinators and frontline protesters from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have positively evaluated the 92-day-old government’s initiatives since it came to power on August 8 through a mass uprising.
The movement’s participants suggested that the government should focus on dismantli
ng market syndicates to stabilize commodity prices, ensure citizen security, preserve the memories of the mass uprising, and provide proper treatment for those injured. Nusrat Tabassum, a key coordinator of the movement, highlighted that these immediate measures have helped the interim government gain the trust of the populace, irrespective of their beliefs and ideologies. She emphasized that no previous government had managed to win such trust and confidence from the common people.
Nusrat praised the government’s approach of reviewing decisions, correcting mistakes, and valuing public opinion. She noted that the previous government often ignored the desires of the people and offered irrational alternatives when demands for change arose. The current government’s pro-people stance has led to increased public engagement, with citizens seeking solutions from student coordinators, protesters, advisers, and government officials.
Umama Fatima, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that
democracy thrives on citizen trust, which had been lacking due to the authoritarian nature of the past regime. She observed that the public’s trust is strengthening the government’s role in meeting expectations for a discrimination-free society. Umama cited examples of public solidarity during crises, such as floods and poor law and order situations, as evidence of the people’s commitment to supporting the government.
Umama also noted a significant rise in remittance inflows, as migrant workers now prefer legal banking channels over illegal means, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves. However, she advised the government to improve communication with the public to enhance reforms and ensure stability in public entities for efficient service delivery.
Rupaiya Shrestha Tanchangya, an early protester in the movement, commended the government for considering diverse public opinions before policy formulation. Shahinur Shumi, a coordinator from Eden Mohila College, emphasized the government’s r
esponsibility to focus on pro-people issues, given the high public expectations following the sacrifices made during the mass uprising.
Nazifa Jannat, a central coordinator from East West University, acknowledged the government’s immediate and effective responses to crises like floods and public security issues, which have bolstered public trust. She stressed the need for prioritizing citizen security and eradicating market syndicates to maintain this trust. Nazifa warned that failure to address citizens’ basic needs could lead to public impatience and a potential loss of trust.