The BNP-led government’s first two and a half months in office have been marked by a mix of early popular initiatives and growing concerns over governance, transparency and policy direction, according to the Democratic Rights Committee, Bangladesh.
The rights group said there are indications of a return to old patterns of partisan control and authoritarian-style governance in several administrative and policy decisions.
The observations were presented at a discussion titled “Review, Concerns and Demands” held on Saturday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
According to the committee, since assuming office on 17 February, the government has taken several measures it described as positive.
These include reducing VVIP protocol to ease traffic congestion and a decision to forgo special privileges such as duty-free vehicles and government plots for Members of Parliament.
It also cited several welfare-oriented initiatives, including pilot programmes for family cards and farmer cards, loan waivers for around 12 lakh small and marginal farmers, nationwide canal excavation projects, monthly stipends for religious leaders across communities, and financial assistance for low-income groups and sanitation workers during Eid.
Other measures mentioned as positive include the removal of re-admission fees in education, scholarships for higher studies abroad, recruitment of religious and sports teachers, introduction of e-health cards, expanded recruitment in the health sector—particularly women—and bringing athletes under government financial support schemes.
However, the committee said proper implementation of these initiatives remains a key challenge.
At the same time, the organisation raised concerns over several appointments and policy decisions, warning that these early achievements are being overshadowed by a return to a “partisan culture.”
It questioned the appointment of a foreign minister linked to agreements signed during the interim period that it described as being against national interest, and said there had been no parliamentary discussion on the issue.
It also criticised the appointment of a businessman as Bangladesh Bank governor, saying it raised doubts over financial sector reforms. Amendments to banking laws that allegedly allow former owners of defaulted banks to regain control were also questioned.
The committee further alleged politicisation in university vice-chancellor appointments and criticised the appointment of political affiliates to local government administrative posts without elections.
It also raised concerns over transparency in appointments to institutions including the Anti-Corruption Commission, metro rail authority and the cricket board, alleging influence of partisan or familial networks.
On law and order, the organisation said harassment cases and arrests have continued, while extortion and land grabbing allegations against party activists have increased. It also pointed to recent incidents of violence in Shahbagh and Kushtia, claiming administrative inaction.
Road safety during Eid travel, rising fuel prices, inflation, and lack of employment alternatives for evicted informal workers were also highlighted as concerns.
The committee warned that rising measles cases and child deaths reflect weaknesses in the healthcare system, while delays in vaccination and treatment responses were also criticised.
It further noted fuel shortages linked to global tensions, long queues at fuel stations and difficulties in agricultural irrigation, adding that recent price hikes in fuel would likely increase inflation and production costs.
The report also criticised continued reliance on import-based energy policies and foreign companies in the oil and gas sector, saying domestic capacity development had not been prioritised.
On foreign policy and trade, it referred to recent agreements with the United States, including a reported purchase of 15 Boeing aircraft worth Tk45,000 crore without open tender, and said the government had not clarified its position in Parliament.
The organisation said upcoming challenges-including water-sharing agreements with India, border issues, and balancing relations with major global powers-require a more transparent and strategic approach.
It also criticised parliamentary moves to reverse several ordinances introduced during the interim administration aimed at strengthening institutional independence in areas such as the judiciary, human rights, anti-corruption, police reform and revenue administration.
According to the committee, these changes indicate a tendency to strengthen executive control rather than institutional autonomy.
Labour law amendments were also criticised, with allegations that recent changes reduce trade union rights and favour employers.
The organisation concluded that instead of structural reform, the government appears to be continuing past administrative and political practices, stressing that inclusive and accountable governance is essential for addressing the country’s ongoing challenges.
