Michael Kugelman Discusses Bangladesh’s Political Unrest and Future Elections
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, shared his thoughts on the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. He highlighted that the longer the interim government stays in power, the higher the chances of the military taking a more active role in politics.
The political turmoil began with the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leaving the timing of general elections uncertain. Kugelman noted that the Awami League, Hasina’s party, is currently sidelined but could regain favor if unrest continues.
In an interview, Kugelman said, “If the economy does not improve and unrest continues, the Awami League could be favored in future elections. The longer the interim government is in power, the higher the chance the army will take on a more definitive role in politics.” He added that the military’s potential political role should not be overlooked.
Regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return, Kugelman expressed doubt but did not rule out a comeback. He mentioned that contradictory messages have come from her son, her chief spokesperson, about her political future.
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5 amid escalating protests. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate economist, was sworn in as head of the interim government on August 8. Kugelman described the political shift as “remarkable and extraordinary,” noting Yunus’s significant support both internationally and domestically, especially among young Bangladeshis.
Kugelman emphasized the uncertainties surrounding the timing of elections. He mentioned that while the constitution requires elections within three months of Parliament’s dissolution, the current circumstances might delay this timeline. He suggested that the interim government might focus on restoring law and order and institutional reforms before holding elections.
Seventeen members of Bangladesh’s interim government took their oaths in Dhaka this week, with Muhammad Yunus being sworn in as the chief advisor, a role equivalent to Prime Minister. The oath ceremony followed the dissolution of Parliament by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Doubts Revealed
Michael Kugelman -: Michael Kugelman is a person who studies and talks about South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He works at a place called The Wilson Center.
South Asia Institute -: The South Asia Institute is a part of The Wilson Center where people study and discuss issues related to South Asian countries.
The Wilson Center -: The Wilson Center is a place in the USA where experts study and talk about important issues happening around the world.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has many people and its capital city is Dhaka.
Political unrest -: Political unrest means that there are problems and conflicts in the government, and people are unhappy with the leaders.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina was the leader of Bangladesh. She was the Prime Minister, which means she was in charge of the government.
Military -: The military is a group of people who are trained to protect the country and sometimes help in emergencies. They have soldiers, tanks, and other equipment.
Interim government -: An interim government is a temporary government that takes over when the regular government is not in place. It helps run the country until new leaders are chosen.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus -: Muhammad Yunus is a famous person from Bangladesh who won the Nobel Prize for his work in helping poor people with small loans. He is now leading the temporary government.
Nobel Prize -: The Nobel Prize is a very special award given to people who have done great things in areas like peace, science, and literature.