Bangladesh has witnessed the formation of a new government that is neither elected nor autocratic, but simply selected. This government comprises a mix of intelligentsia, radicals, students, military elements, and politicians—a diverse group from various walks of life. The composition of this new government is intriguing.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, 84, heads the caretaker government and has assumed control of major portfolios, including transport, land, defense, aviation, and energy. Though he is a Nobel laureate for peace, his academic credentials and administrative experience in curbing violence are limited.
Other key figures include Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, both members of the Students Against Discrimination group. At just 25 years old, they are still university students. In India, they would scarcely receive permission to run in an election.
Adilur Rehman, another significant player, is a human rights activist who, according to the Bangladeshi Supreme Court, produced a distorted report on the death toll in a 2013 incident. He seems to have been selected primarily for his opposition to the Hasina government, rather than for his administrative expertise.
Hassan Ariff, the legal advisor to the interim government, is 83 years old. His son has been embroiled in legal troubles for domestic abuse, raising questions about his ability to provide sound legal counsel to the interim government. Touhid Hossain, a former foreign secretary, is advising the government on foreign affairs and has been known for his close ties to Pakistan.
Jahangir Allam Chaudhary, an ex-army general, is recognized for his anti-Hasina stance and is responsible for restoring order. General Shaukat Hussain is already managing the home ministry in the interim government. Islamic clerics have also been included in this interim setup.
The bottom line is that an elected leader like Sheikh Hasina, who has governed Bangladesh for the last 15 years, should not be forced into exile or prosecution at the behest of a government selected primarily for its opposition to her. The legal system in Bangladesh is currently under considerable strain, with most judges having been dismissed. Democracy must be restored in Bangladesh as soon as possible. A group of selected individuals cannot truly represent the will of the majority unless they are elected through a free and fair election. India should stand firm and ensure Hasina’s safety, as it is vital for democracies around the world.