If you were to pick a trending keyword for present-day Bangladesh, "reform" would be a popular choice for many.

On the date, in Feni, southeastern Bangladesh, people passed through flooded neighborhoods on tractors.

Two months ago, Sheikh Hasina, then Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned amidst protests. Shortly after, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by economist Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in. Observers believe that the end of Hasina's continuous rule and Yunus's rise to power mark a new beginning for Bangladesh.

Currently, the interim government is carrying out sweeping reforms under重重challenges, while the timing of the new government's election remains uncertain. All eyes are on the changes that Yunus-led reforms will bring to Bangladesh.

Once entered the era of "national protest"

In late June, Bangladesh witnessed large-scale protests initiated by students opposing the "quota system" for civil servants. These student protests gradually evolved into a "national protest," forcing then-Prime Minister Hasina to resign. A provisional government led by Yunus was swiftly established and sworn in.

After Hasina's departure, Bangladesh almost entered an era of "universal protest." Police, border guards, religious figures, students, rickshaw pullers, fishery officials, women's organizations, journalists, doctors, textile and pharmaceutical workers, and various sectors of society and groups have successively or continuously held protest demonstrations in multiple locations, demanding the restoration of the positions of officials unjustly dismissed during the Awami League government, opposing corruption and inequality, canceling this year's high school graduation certificate exam, raising the maximum entry age limit for government positions, strictly restricting doctor qualification certification, increasing wages and paying overdue salaries, among other demands.

Multiple protests have taken place in front of the government secretariat, with protesters even storming into the secretariat and blocking the gates. Earlier, Rafiq, the chairman of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, had stated that due to ongoing protests and unrest, approximately factories face closure.

Observers believe that various sectors hope to express their demands and influence policy-making through protests at this time, as the public has high expectations for this, leading to the emergence of such a situation. The mainstream English media in Bangladesh, The Daily Star, reported that protest activities appear like pop-up shops at every street corner, and Bangladesh urgently needs a protest to address the increase in protests.

As of now, the interim government has been in power for over two months. Protests and demonstrations across various industries are gradually subsiding, and social production and daily life are returning to normal. However, this process undoubtedly reflects the high expectations that Bangladeshi society has placed on the interim government. The pressure has now shifted to the interim government's side.

"Reform" becomes the top priority.

Since taking office on the designated date, Chief Adviser to the Executive Prime Minister Yunus has repeatedly emphasized in multiple occasions that reform is a key focus of his administration, and the "reform" wind has swept across the nation. Important government officials and association leaders, including the Chairman of the Election Commission of Bangladesh, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice and lower court judges, the Governor of the Central Bank, all district commissioners, public university vice-chancellors, all current deputy police commissioners, and the leaders of the Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, have quickly resigned or completed transfers and replacements.

Meanwhile, the interim government launched a large-scale purge against the previous government. Numerous ministers, lawmakers, close associates of Hasina, and heads of conglomerates from the previous government were arrested, and Hasina herself and her family faced over a hundred legal charges.

On the occasion of completing one month in office, Yunnus announced the establishment of six committees by the Bangladeshi government, covering judicial, electoral system, public administration, police, anti-corruption, and constitutional reforms. These committees began their work at the beginning of the month and are expected to complete their planning and preparation within the coming months. Economically, the government has previously formed a team of over ten members responsible for drafting the economic status white paper, which will be released within the month. The white paper focuses on public financial management and curbing inflation.

One of the core elements of the reform plan is to establish a fair electoral system and build a sound governance system," Yunus said during a televised speech. He called on all sectors of society to participate in the government's reform process: "We will carry out the reforms together, as it is the responsibility of everyone." "Through this reform, we are embarking on a new journey for the nation."

The Daily Star, in its report, states that the real challenge is not just to start, but to sustain the reforms to the end. The interim government has set Bangladesh on the right path, but the ultimate success will depend on sustained public participation, transparency in reforms, and commitment to long-term reforms.

Election time is difficult to determine

While reforms are in full swing, another issue that cannot be overlooked is when the elections will be held. As of now, the interim government has not provided a clear timeline.

Yunus has recently stated in various public forums that the interim government has no intention of ruling for an extended period, but reforms are necessary before elections. The interim government will hold free, fair, and participatory elections after implementing necessary reforms in the administrative, judicial, electoral commission, electoral system, and legal order sectors.

The main political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami, have recently proposed that the interim government should develop a specific roadmap for elections, reforms, and strengthening coordination with various political parties.

"We need a roadmap for the next election," said Alamgir, General Secretary of the Nationalist Party, in an interview with reporters. He had previously stated publicly that the Nationalist Party could give the interim government a certain amount of time to reform all institutions and prepare for an acceptable election, but this time is not unlimited.

Previously, Yunus sought media opinions on the duration of the reform, and all chief editors agreed that the reform period should be at least a year.

Observers believe that if Yunus is to complete reforms and prepare for his own candidacy, it means that a general election cannot be held in the short term. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which has been severely suppressed by the Hasina government for years, is also likely not yet ready for elections. The timing of the election is primarily influenced by three factors: first, whether Yunus's reforms in the near future can steer the country onto the right track; second, whether the foreseeable economic downturn in the country can be accepted by the public, including students; third, how long the existing parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party can support and endure the interim government's rule.

Bangladesh diplomacy may open up more space

During Hasina's tenure, Bangladesh's official relations with India have grown closer. The Observer Research Foundation of India published an article stating that "Hasina firmly believes in the necessity of establishing a productive relationship between the two countries, which has become one of the most prominent features of her foreign policy." However, this has also sparked discontent among the Bangladeshi populace, with many citizens believing that India interferes in Bangladesh's internal affairs and hinders its economic and social development. Early this year, a movement called "India Out" even emerged among the people, calling for a boycott of Indian products.

The recent political changes in Myanmar have further intensified the already existing anti-Indian sentiment among the people. At the same time, the general public in Myanmar widely believes that the country's worst floods in recent years were primarily caused by India's failure to notify Myanmar before releasing water from the dam.

With Yunus serving as the Chief Advisor of the interim government (equivalent to Prime Minister), it is widely believed that the increasingly heated official relations between Bangladesh and India in recent years will be adjusted to some extent. However, the relationship between Bangladesh and India remains one of the most important bilateral relationships for Bangladesh. When Yunus spoke on the phone with Indian Prime Minister Modi in mid-month, the latter expressed India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.

Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, stated at the first press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the interim government is committed to a balanced foreign policy of "friendship with all, enmity with none," maintaining good relations with all countries, including India and China. Chowdhury emphasized the critical importance of Bangladesh-India relations and the need to strengthen public awareness that India is a close ally of Bangladesh, aiming to achieve tangible results in advancing Bangladesh-India relations.

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York on a certain date, when meeting with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yunus expressed that Bangladesh and he personally have long-standing friendly ties with China, and Bangladesh is willing to learn from China's experience to continuously expand friendly cooperation between the two countries.

In the United States, during the Hasina administration, Bangladesh adopted a tough stance towards the US, while the Yunus government brought more room and possibilities to the relationship between the two countries. Shortly after Yunus took office, the US sent a high-level delegation to Bangladesh. Yunus's first official visit was to the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly. During his trip to the US, Yunus held a bilateral meeting with President Biden.

Yunus is a person who has established extensive international connections. He and the Grameen Bank, which he founded, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in "promoting economic and social development from the grassroots level." According to local media reports, nearly 200 global figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Nobel laureate Jane Goodall, recently signed a joint letter congratulating Yunus on his appointment as an interim advisor. Observers believe that this could potentially open up greater diplomatic opportunities for Bangladesh.