Time Has Come to Rethink the Interim Government’s Exit: Debapriya Bhattacharya

Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), stated that the time has come to seriously consider an “exit strategy” for the interim government. He made the remark on Wednesday, 30 July, during a seminar hosted by Democracy Dias Bangladesh at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Speaking at the event, Bhattacharya emphasised that future governments will need to assess the legitimacy of actions taken by the current interim regime. While acknowledging the necessity of reform, he warned that it must not become a hollow ritual:

“Reforms should be carried out to the extent they are essential—not merely as a formality.”

Remarks from the Seminar

Concerns Over Reform and Election Timing

Masud Kamal, a journalist and political commentator, echoed public concerns over delays in elections, alleging that the government is using the guise of reform to postpone democratic processes. While acknowledging that the proportional representation (PR) system has its merits, he argued:

“It is not the right time for such a system.”

He insisted that general elections should be held in October, and any further delay would undermine the spirit of democratic transition.

The seminar reflected growing concerns among civil society, policy experts, and media professionals about the interim government’s tenure, transparency, and commitment to democratic norms.