The February 12 election in Bangladesh was a success on almost too many levels to count. It may represent an important turning point in the history of the nation.
There were careful preparations by the Interim Government and the disciplined participation of Bangladeshi citizens. Observers from the European Union and the Commonwealth confirmed that the election was free, fair, and peaceful. Despite ongoing unfounded rumors that the election would be cancelled or marred by violence, nearly 60% of eligible voters cast ballots. Sixty-nine percent approved a national referendum on reforms that were initiated and led by the Interim Government (IG). For the first time, Bangladeshis living overseas were able to vote, and many did so.
Even more remarkable, for the first time in Bangladesh’s history, the parties that were defeated accepted the results graciously and agreed to participate in the government as the “loyal opposition.” The newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party opted for continuity with the IG in many respects, such as by appointing Dr. Khalilur Rahman, who had been serving as the national security adviser, to the important post of Foreign Minister. He has since emerged as a leading candidate for president of the United Nations General Assembly.
In the meantime, the leaders of the IG stepped down from their posts in a timely and graceful manner. Despite rumors that Professor Yunus, who served as Chief Adviser to the IG, would flee the country after the election, he quietly returned to work at the Yunus Centre as planned.
On the diplomatic front, many nations congratulated Prime Minister-elect Tarique Rahman, including Bangladesh’s powerful neighbor India. In fact, India sent Om Birla, the speaker of the Lok Sabha, and its Foreign Secretary to the inauguration. Hopefully, this augurs an era of renewed cooperation between these natural allies.
The new government is inheriting a country in much better condition compared to August 2024, when the IG took office. To take one example, foreign exchange reserves have grown over the last 18 months. Now is the time for everyone to support the new government while also holding it accountable to advance national interests and stay true to the ideals of both the Liberation War and also the Mass Uprising of July/August 2024.
The Friends of Bangladesh team heartily congratulates the Interim Government, the country’s new leadership, opposition parties, and the people of Bangladesh for all that they have achieved over the past 18 months.
