Dhaka Correspondent:

Even after 14 and a half months of the interim government formed through a popular uprising, there has been a deep disappointment in the public mind regarding the desired achievements and implementation of promises. In all areas, there is a huge gap between expectations and reality. Political analysts, journalists, women's rights activists and people from various walks of life believe that the limitations of the interim government's performance are becoming more visible as time passes.

Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has completed 14 visits to 13 countries in 14 months since taking office. But many have raised questions about how much these visits have contributed to the development of the country's economy, trade or diplomatic relations. Especially his latest visit to Rome has drawn a storm of criticism from social and political circles.

There is a debate about what he actually achieved during his visit to Rome. Some have raised questions about whether it was necessary to go to the Rome mayor's office and attend a meeting according to protocol. Former Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmed told Deutsche Welle, “How important is it for a country’s top leader to attend that event? It was not a bilateral visit, but a multilateral event. But there are many other important issues within the country that demand the attention of the chief advisor.”

After taking office, the chief advisor had announced, “Our government will take a clear stand against corruption, and all advisors will disclose their assets as soon as possible.”

But even after 14 months, that promise has not been fulfilled. No advisor’s asset details have been made public yet.

Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Honorary Fellow of the CPD, said, “The incident has become a lot like the time of Sheikh Hasina. At that time too, there was a promise that ministers would disclose their assets — but that did not happen. We were hoping that the interim government would set a new precedent, but we are disappointed.”

However, Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, Faiz Ahmed, claimed, “Most of the advisors have already submitted their asset accounts to the Chief Advisor. The matter is still under process, the public will know in due course.”

Although the government has taken various steps to control the law and order situation since the coup, the picture on the ground is different. On the contrary, several brutal and sensational incidents have created concern in the public mind.

One of the most discussed incidents is the exhumation and burning of the body of religious leader Nurul Haque alias ‘Nural Pagla’ in Goalanda, Rajbari. This incident of religious incitement, administrative inaction and lack of justice was widely criticized internationally.

Citing the police headquarters, the chief advisor's verified Facebook page claimed—“From September 2024 to June 2025, there were 610 robberies, 3,554 murders, 4,105 rapes, and 12,726 cases of violence against women and children in the country. The trend of serious crimes is ‘stable.’”

But analysts say these statistics actually hide the reality on the ground. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ashraful Huda said, “There has not been as much improvement as was supposed to happen. Necessary steps have not been taken to restore the morale of the police. It is difficult to improve this situation unless an elected government comes.”

Instead of optimism about the independence of the judiciary, new fears have arisen. Senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna said, “There is law, but there is no rule of law. When the Home Affairs Advisor says that an order will be issued to ‘not grant bail’, then it is clear where the independence of the judiciary has fallen.”

On the other hand, senior lawyer Syed Ahmed Raja believes, “The fire that burned the entire country after May-June 2024 has destroyed people's trust in the judiciary. Rather, it is now seen that biased steps are being taken against judges and law officers. This is further weakening the judicial system.”

The government is now under pressure from various sides due to political instability and administrative inefficiency. The reforms that were expected ahead of the elections are still not visible on the horizon. The country's economy, investment, employment and security are all under a shadow of uncertainty.

Political analysts say that the enthusiasm and expectations that were seen in the first year of the interim government have gradually faded. On the one hand, administrative gridlock and on the other hand, lack of leadership – all of which are combined to make the government face a difficult reality.

The common people thought that a corruption-free, humane and transparent governance system would be established. But after 14 months, that expectation has now turned into disappointment. The same tone is also being heard from various professional organizations including women's rights activists, labor representatives, teachers and other professional organizations—“Change has come only on the face, not on the ground.”

Although the interim government has taken some positive steps in its 14-month tenure, questions remain more than achievements in all areas - corruption control, independence of the judiciary, law and order, economy and transparency.

Political analysts say, "The government that was formed on the demand of a mass uprising now faces only one challenge - restoring the trust of the people."

The interim government's 14-month record is not just statistics, it is a reflection of the nation's expectations and disappointments. The need of the hour is to restore responsibility, accountability and political integrity.