Bangladesh’s New Interim Government dream team with Dr. Muhammad Yunus are powerful, diverse leaders guiding a brighter, inclusive Bangladesh. And what a week it has been for crisis, calming conflict, and begin work on settling Bangladesh and creating its better, more inclusive future.
Supporting Bangladesh’s New Era
- Promote Unity and Peace: Firstly, citizens must halt violence, to allow rebuilding to begin. Come together to bridge social and political divides. By fostering mutual respect, everyone contributes to national stability and progress.
- Support Democratic Values: Additionally, by encouraging transparency, accountability, and fairness, citizens uphold the integrity of elections and protect human rights.
- Volunteer and Contribute: Moreover, offering time and skills to local initiatives helps rebuild communities and drives positive change.
- Foster Inclusivity and Innovation: Supporting education, entrepreneurship, and diversity ensures all voices are heard in building a prosperous future.
During Times of Change, Hold one another, and Leadership Accountable
Here are some thought leaders, trusted news sources, and authors who provide valuable insights on Bangladesh’s non-partisan politics. Let us know in comments what other sources you find useful for reliable information and thought leaders:
Thought Leaders
- Ali Riaz: A Professor of Political Science at Illinois State University, he is an author, and leading expert on South Asian politics, particularly Bangladesh. His analyses are widely respected for their depth and neutrality. He is frequently trusted by Global News such as CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera,
- Imtiaz Ahmed: A Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, he is known for his balanced perspectives on Bangladesh’s political landscape and its international relations.
- Dr. Rounaq Jahan: A Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University, Jahan’s work focuses on governance, democracy, and development in Bangladesh. She is highly regarded for her objective and insightful analyses.
Bangladesh Local News Sources
- The Daily Star: One of Bangladesh’s leading English-language newspapers, known for its balanced reporting and in-depth analysis on national and international issues.
- Prothom Alo: A widely-read Bengali-language daily, Prothom Alo is respected for its investigative journalism and commitment to transparency.
- bdnews24.com: A reliable online news platform that covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, and social issues in Bangladesh.
- New Age: Another English-language daily that provides critical coverage of Bangladesh’s political and social issues, often from a non-partisan perspective.
Authors and Blogs
- David Lewis: A Professor of Social Policy and Development at the London School of Economics, Lewis has written extensively on Bangladesh, focusing on its politics, development, and civil society. From Ecosystems to Advicescapes: Business, Development and Advice
- Arild Engelsen Ruud: A Norwegian political scientist whose work on Bangladesh’s political culture and grassroots movements offers deep insights into the country’s non-partisan dynamics. Bangladesh in Turmoil- শুদ্ধস্বর (shuddhashar.com)
- Bangladesh Politico (Blog): Managed by a group of independent analysts, this blog provides insightful commentary on Bangladesh’s political scene, often highlighting non-partisan issues and perspectives.
By following thought leaders and credible sources, citizens can stay informed and engaged in Bangladesh’s political process. This allows them to participate in discussions and civic activities, ensuring their voices shape the future. Demanding transparency and supporting anti-corruption measures are essential steps to holding leaders accountable and ensuring a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Bangladesh.
TIMELINE: Leading up to Bangladesh New Interim Government
- Thursday, August 8, 2024: Inclusive Interim Government Announced & Sworn In
- Monday, August 5: 2024: +10,000 protest curfew. PM Hasina resigns. Death toll reported +300.
- August 4, 2024: violence +90 deaths, including 13 policemen. Government imposes curfew.
- August 3, 2024: Major Dhaka rally demands Hasina’s resignation.
- July 28, 2024: 6 student leaders are detained, sparking renewed protests. Hasina’s government faces increasing pressure domestically and internationally.
- July 21, 2024: Supreme Court abolishes most of the controversial job quotas, but the decision fails to quell the unrest. The death toll has reached 146.
- July 19-20, 2024: Army enforced shoot on sight curfew. +87 killed in escalating violence.
- July 18, 2024: Nationwide shutdown leads to widespread violence, +29 people killed.
- July 15-16, 2024: Protest clashes result in+300 injuries, +6 deaths in Dhaka, Chittagong, & Rangpur.
- July 2, 2024: Protests begin in Dhaka, initially focused on opposing the government job quota system, which sparks widespread dissatisfaction among students and other citizens
Dr Muhammad Yunus and Interim Government Sworn In
Bangladesh’s academic leaders emphasize unity and peaceful transition as the nation moves forward after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, now leading the interim government, urges calm and stresses the need for the country to come together as a family to rebuild a more democratic and just future.
The Roster: Bangladesh New Interim Government
The Interim Government of Bangladesh reflects a concerted effort to form a broad-based administration encompassing diverse perspectives. The inclusion of academics, civil society leaders, and representatives from minority communities signals a commitment to inclusivity and expertise.
This transition’s success, academics say, depends on overcoming social divisions and showing solidarity. They call for healing and justice, addressing wounds from the previous regime. The interim government, including civil society, academia, and student leaders, aims to ensure an inclusive and transparent political process, with a focus on reforming the security sector and addressing human rights abuses.
| Name | Profession | Reason for Selection | Key Fact | Location in Bangladesh | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Muhammad Yunus | Chief Advisor | Nobel laureate and economic leader | Pioneer of microcredit | Dhaka | Chief Advisor |
“We must avoid becoming what we opposed!”
Academic Leadership
Academic leaders shape Bangladesh’s future, especially during this transformative time. Make no mistake, the world’s academic leaders hold the potential for meaningful power for our future. They actively promote education, civic responsibility, and awareness. By advocating for peacebuilding and informed citizenship, they help create an engaged, knowledgeable society. Their efforts lay the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.
Student Leadership
Student leaders in Bangladesh mobilized without internet by using traditional methods like in-person meetings, word-of-mouth, and grassroots networks. They spread their message through flyers, posters, and community gatherings, creating strong bonds and unity.
Incorporating student input into the New Bangladesh helps ensure that the nation is built on a foundation of innovation, inclusivity, and forward-thinking policies that will benefit all citizens.
- Fresh Perspectives: Students offer new ideas and creative solutions for national issues.
- Energy and Passion: Their enthusiasm drives momentum for change and inspires others.
- Future-Oriented: Students ensure the government reflects the aspirations of the younger generation.
- Adaptability: They are open to new technologies, keeping Bangladesh competitive and innovative.
- Diverse Representation: Student voices add to the inclusivity and equity of decision-making.
As they now shift to rebuilding and forming a new government, these leaders must adapt to new challenges. While their ability to inspire remains vital, they need to focus on collaboration, negotiation, and policymaking. Building a government requires skills in strategic planning, diplomacy, and administration to turn ideas into reality.
The future looks brighter when ideas are encouraged, and business and government work together. These young leaders can bring fresh perspectives, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. By collaborating with businesses and civil society, they can help create a more inclusive and dynamic Bangladesh, ensuring a prosperous future for all.
| Name | Profession | Reason for Selection | Key Fact | Location in Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahid Islam | Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Leader | Led student protests that ousted the previous government | Mobilized significant political change | Dhaka |
| Asif Mahmud | Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Leader | Key figure in the student movement | Advocated for fair government job quotas | Chittagong |
Civil Rights and Society
Civil rights and civil society leaders must bring their advocacy experience, commitment to justice, and ability to unite communities. By doing so, they support the creation of a just, inclusive, and responsive Bangladesh. Their contributions are vital for several reasons:
- Defending Human Rights: Activists, including those jailed for their efforts, defend marginalized communities, ensuring the new government prioritizes human rights.
- Promoting Accountability: These leaders hold the government accountable, using their experience to demand transparency and responsibility.
- Ensuring Inclusivity: They advocate for all groups, particularly the historically excluded, ensuring diverse voices shape the new government.
- Building Trust: Trusted within their communities, their involvement helps build public trust in the political process.
- Advancing Social Justice: They focus on addressing systemic inequalities, pushing the government towards a fairer society.
| Name | Profession | Reason for Selection | Key Fact | Location in Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adilur Rahman Khan | Human Rights Worker | Advocate for civil liberties and human rights | Previously jailed for activism | Dhaka |
| Sharmeen Murshid | Chief Executive Officer of “Brotee” | Leader in election observation | Advocate for Civil Society transparent and fair elections | Dhaka |
| Syeda Rizwana Hasan | Chief Executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association | Goldman Environmental Award for Environmental advocacy | Promoted sustainable development | Dhaka |
| Nurjahan Begum | Trustee at Grameen Telecom | Leadership in telecommunications and social business | Key figure in the Grameen Bank microfinance movement | Dhaka |
Military and National Heroes
The courage, discipline, and dedication of military leaders and Bangladesh Liberation Heroes are vital to building a strong, secure, and just democracy. Their strategic insight, defense experience, and commitment to freedom ensure the new government upholds fairness and stability. By working alongside civil rights leaders, they help bridge divides and create a unified, resilient nation.
- Ensure security and safety.
- Promote fairness and justice.
- Hold leaders accountable.
- Build trust and unity.
- Support civil rights and social justice.
| Name | Profession | Reason for Selection | Key Fact | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brig. Gen. (retired) M Sakhawat Hossain | Former Election Commissioner of Bangladesh | Electoral experience and military background | Significant role in previous elections | Dhaka |
| Faruk-E-Azam | Bir Protik Freedom Fighter | National hero | Distinguished for his gallantry and bravery during the Liberation War | Dhaka |
Religious Leadership
| Name | Profession | Reason for Selection | Key Fact | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain | Deobondi Islamic Scholar | Religious leadership | Respected figure in Islamic scholarship | Dhaka |
Other Resources
- 10 Best Bangladesh Political Blogs and Websites in 2024 (feedspot.com)
- Change Acceleration Process – Dawn C Simmons
- Global Business Of Bangladesh
- How GE Teaches Teams to Lead Change (hbr.org)
- How Gen Z protesters took down a government – even without the internet (msn.com)
- Jahir Rayhan at FISU World-University-Games: Chengdu China – Dawn C Simmons
- Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations – Office of the Historian (state.gov)
- Nahid Islam, student leader who led campaign to oust Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina – India Today
Dawn C Simmons
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