Distrust may arise without election roadmap: Anu Muhammad

Anu Muhammad, a former economics professor at Jahangirnagar University and a member of the Democratic Rights Committee, has warned that public trust in the interim government may erode if a clear election roadmap is not announced promptly. 

He made this observation during a press conference titled "How Much of the Interim Government's Immediate Proposals Have Been Implemented in 100 Days" at the National Press Club’s Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall on November 21.  

Speaking on the timeline for elections under the interim government, Anu Muhammad highlighted that the recently formed search committee will soon submit names for the new Election Commission. The government is expected to finalise the commission based on these recommendations. 

However, he stressed the urgent need to repair the electoral system, which has been dysfunctional since 2008, particularly after Hasina’s government became unelected in 2014.  

“The interim government must act quickly to establish a credible electoral framework and announce a clear roadmap,” Anu Muhammad said. 

He emphasised that while long-term reforms require a permanent government, the interim administration can lay critical foundations through commissions and other initiatives. Failure to announce a concrete timeline could foster distrust and uncertainty, he warned, adding, “This uncertainty may already be causing instability in various sectors, which needs to be addressed through prompt action.”  

Anu urged the interim government to work efficiently and provide citizens with a transparent election roadmap, addressing the timeline and process to ensure public confidence.  

In response to questions about public dissatisfaction, Anu Muhammad acknowledged the growing anger and deprivation among various segments of society. He called for serious consideration of their demands, urging the government to avoid coercive tactics like arrests and forceful suppression. “Protests by autorickshaw drivers and other professionals cannot be resolved through force; solutions require dialogue,” he said.  

He emphasised the need for the government to respect the dignity of the people to prevent social unrest, adding, “If the government approaches these issues with respect and sincerity, many problems can be resolved peacefully.”  

On the issue of constitutional reform, Anu Muhammad reiterated the Democratic Rights Committee's call to repeal clauses enabling authoritarianism and centralization of power. He stressed the importance of enshrining the rights of all races, religions, genders, and ethnicities in the constitution, ensuring Bangladesh’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious character. Furthermore, he called for education and healthcare to be established as fundamental constitutional rights.  

The press conference also assessed the interim government’s progress on the Democratic Rights Committee’s 13-point proposal. While outlining areas where implementation has been slow, Anu Muhammad reiterated the importance of addressing these immediate actions for sustainable governance.  

Dhaka University teachers Moshahida Sultana, UPDF leader Michael Chakma, CPB Presidium Member Abdullah Al Kafi, Harunur Rashid, and joint convener of the Democratic Rights Committee Maha Mirza.