One year after the dramatic ousting of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh finds itself at a political and economic crossroads. Once hailed as a new beginning, the Yunus-led interim regime now faces rising public anger and skepticism, as the country grapples with inflation, rising joblessness, and unfulfilled promises of reform.

For many, the initial optimism of 2024 has given way to a yearning for the stability — and predictability — of the Hasina era.

Backdrop of a historic change

In July 2024, Sheikh Hasina, one of the longest-serving leaders in South Asia, was removed from office following mass protests, allegations of authoritarianism, and mounting economic stress. The removal, later formalised as the “July Declaration,” was framed by its architect — Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus — as a restoration of democratic order and constitutional integrity.

The interim government that followed promised reform, justice, and a clean break from what it called a “mafia state.”

However, twelve months later, the mood on the streets of Dhaka, Chattogram, and beyond tells a different story.

Growing public frustration and economic stress

The biggest concern today is economic hardship. Inflation has continued to climb, with food and fuel prices hitting double digits. The taka has weakened further, while foreign investment has stalled, spooked by uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2026 elections.

Businesses report confusion in policy direction, as the Yunus administration struggles to implement economic reforms or stabilise trade relations.

Unemployment — especially among youth — has surged. The garment sector, a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, has witnessed factory closures, strikes, and falling exports. Many attribute this to poor crisis management and mixed signals from the transitional government.

‘Better in Hasina’s time’: a growing sentiment

While Sheikh Hasina’s decade-long tenure ended amid serious allegations — including suppression of dissent, press freedom concerns, and electoral malpractice — she was also credited with economic growth, infrastructure development, and political stability.

Today, even her critics admit that the Yunus-led regime has not managed to deliver on any of its key pledges. From judicial reform to education and anti-corruption efforts, progress remains minimal.

A common refrain among citizens is:
"Things may not have been perfect, but at least we could get by. Now, everything is uncertain."

This nostalgia has quietly reignited support for the Awami League, despite the party’s fall from grace just a year ago.

The Yunus government’s balancing act

Muhammad Yunus, once widely respected for his work with Grameen Bank, finds himself in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable political space. Accused by some of being idealistic and out of depth, his administration is under pressure from both the international community and local power brokers to show results.

While Yunus has called for national elections in February 2026, opposition parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and remnants of the Awami League, are demanding immediate reforms in the Election Commission, citing fears of manipulation or chaos.

The military’s quiet support of the interim regime is another topic of growing debate. While not overtly visible, it is widely believed that the army’s consent was crucial in Hasina’s ouster, and that it remains the key arbiter of stability behind the scenes.

International stakeholders: growing concern

The global community, especially India, China, the U.S., and the European Union, has so far treaded carefully. While many welcomed Hasina’s exit as a return to democratic values, they are now worried about Bangladesh’s drift into uncertainty.

India, in particular, has taken a more guarded stance, concerned about border security, trade disruptions, and Chinese influence. In recent months, New Delhi has reopened backchannel dialogues with both the Awami League and Yunus allies, signalling a shift in its earlier enthusiasm for the interim government.

Missed reforms and rising mistrust

The Yunus regime had come to power with grand promises — overhauling the judiciary, ensuring press freedom, curbing corruption, and setting up a fair electoral process. Yet, many of these goals remain on paper.

Several editorials in Dhaka-based dailies have questioned why the same police officers, bureaucrats, and judges from Hasina’s administration remain in place. Civil society groups have flagged that media censorship and surveillance have, in some cases, worsened, especially around sensitive topics like military influence and foreign policy.

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