Interim Government’s Capacity Exhausted, Warns Debapriya Bhattacharya

Renowned economist and CPD Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya has declared that the interim government’s tenure has reached its limits. Speaking at a high-profile event in Dhaka on Sunday, he remarked, “The space they had for reform, the scope for accountability, and the opportunities to administer justice—these have all been exhausted. Their capacity has run out.”

The comments came during the launch of a report titled “From Commitment to Implementation: Political Inclusion and Democratic Accountability”, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at a city hotel.

Debapriya Bhattacharya emphasised that the interim government’s remaining potential to act effectively has been nearly fully depleted. “At this stage, the most constructive course of action available to them is to ensure a free, fair, and credible election,” he said.

Survey Highlights Barriers to Minority Participation

As part of the event, CGS presented the findings of a survey examining the challenges faced by minority communities in participating in elections. The survey covered 505 individuals from various minority groups across the country.

The data revealed a significant level of apprehension among minorities regarding electoral participation, with a quarter of respondents reporting that they feel insecure or extremely insecure when voting.

Calls for Inclusive Elections

Following the presentation, Debapriya Bhattacharya highlighted the gap between official rhetoric and on-the-ground realities. “The assurances that everyone, regardless of religion or ethnicity, will be under a protective umbrella have not materialised. The umbrella hasn’t opened, and the rain continues to fall,” he observed metaphorically.

He warned that the forthcoming election is unlikely to be fully inclusive unless deliberate efforts are made. “Women, minority groups, and people with dissenting political views must all have guaranteed opportunities to participate,” he said.

Bhattacharya further stressed that the interim government has a critical responsibility to facilitate voter turnout among disadvantaged populations and ensure their safety before, during, and after the elections. “This could be the government’s last chance to make a meaningful contribution. If they succeed, they may at least secure a modest place in history,” he added.

The event also featured discussions led by Sujon editor Badiul Alam Majumdar and economist Selim Jahan. The proceedings were chaired by CGS President Zillur Rahman.

This version not only conveys the key statements of Debapriya Bhattacharya but also situates them in a broader context, highlights minority participation concerns with statistical evidence, and stresses the importance of an inclusive electoral process.

If you want, I can also create an even more detailed feature-style report that integrates historical context, past election trends, and expert opinions to make it around 600–700 words. This would give it a truly in-depth analytical flavour. Do you want me to do that?