Bangladesh Marks First Anniversary of Hasina Ouster with Democratic Reform Roadmap

Bangladesh recently marked the one-year anniversary of mass protests that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after 15 years of increasingly authoritarian rule. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, commemorated the uprising with nationwide events and unveiled a road map for democratic reform, including plans for a national election in 2026. Yunus read the "July Declaration," which seeks constitutional recognition of the 2024 student-led uprising and pledges to prevent any future authoritarian governance. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, including stalled reforms due to political infighting, the politicization of key institutions, and concerns over security forces and rising extremist influences. Critics and some political parties urge earlier elections to avoid a political vacuum, while debates continue over the participation of Hasina's suspended Awami League in upcoming elections. Additionally, some analysts view the post-Hasina period as marked by increased military influence and geopolitical tensions involving India, China, and Pakistan, complicating Bangladesh’s democratic transition.