The Real Test for Bangladesh’s New Government

On February 17, a new chapter began in Bangladesh’s political journey as the government led by Tarique Rahman assumed office, succeeding the Interim Government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus.

This transition has understandably raised expectations, hopes, and anxieties among citizens and observers alike. In any democracy, the early days of a new administration are marked by bold decisions, public scrutiny, and inevitable criticism. Bangladesh is no exception.

What matters most at this juncture is not the perfection of every policy choice, but the direction of governance. For a nation of nearly 200 million people, political stability is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Without stability anchored in legitimacy and trust, even the most ambitious development plans risk faltering. Both the people of Bangladesh and the international community are watching closely, measuring not only what decisions are taken, but how and why they are taken.

At the heart of this scrutiny lies a simple yet profound expectation: the visible and credible establishment of the rule of law, accountability in public life, and an independent judiciary. These are not abstract ideals; they are the pillars upon which peace, prosperity, and sustainable development are built.

Experience from around the world offers valuable lessons. In India, despite intense political competition and frequent changes in government, the continuity of democratic institutions and an assertive judiciary have often acted as stabilizing forces.

Judicial interventions, public interest litigation, and institutional accountability, though imperfect, have helped preserve public confidence in the system.

Singapore, to take one example from the region, demonstrates how strong rule of law and uncompromising accountability can transform a resource-poor nation into a global economic hub.

Its success was not built on populism, but on predictable governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and absolute respect for institutional integrity. Investors and citizens alike trusted the system because the system treated everyone equally.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, democratic consolidation has been uneven, yet progress has been made whenever judicial independence and anti-corruption mechanisms were strengthened. Periods of regression have shown, just as clearly, how quickly public trust erodes when political power appears to overshadow legal accountability.

East Asia offers further insight. South Korea’s experience illustrates that even powerful presidents are not above the law. The prosecution and conviction of former leaders sent a strong message that accountability is not negotiable. This painful but principled approach ultimately reinforced democratic norms and institutional credibility.

Meanwhile, China and Vietnam, despite differing political systems, have shown how predictability in law enforcement and disciplined governance can drive rapid economic growth.

Yet their experiences also underline an important lesson: Economic progress without transparent accountability and judicial independence carries long-term risks, particularly in managing social expectations and political legitimacy.

For Bangladesh, the implication is clear. Development, stability, and democracy cannot be sustained through executive authority alone. They must be grounded in institutions that are seen to be fair, impartial, and independent.

The judiciary must not only be independent in constitutional terms, but must also be perceived as independent by ordinary citizens. Justice delayed, selective justice, or politicized justice undermines faith in the state itself.

Accountability, too, must be real rather than rhetorical. It must apply equally to ministers, civil servants, business leaders, and political activists. When accountability is selective, it deepens polarization; when it is universal, it builds national confidence. The same applies to the rule of law: Laws must protect citizens, not intimidate them; they must restrain power, not serve it.

The new government has a historic opportunity. If it prioritizes institutional integrity over short-term political gain, it can help heal divisions, restore confidence, and place Bangladesh firmly on a path toward inclusive growth and global respect.

Political criticism will persist, that is the nature of democracy. But a government that governs through law, accountability, and judicial independence will find that criticism becomes manageable, trust becomes durable, and stability becomes achievable.

Ultimately, Bangladesh’s future will not be judged solely by economic indicators or infrastructure projects. It will be judged by whether its people feel protected by the law, represented by accountable leaders, and assured of justice by independent courts. Only then can the promise of peace, prosperity, and dignity for all truly be fulfilled.

A Gafur, Former Executive Director, The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh.