Any consideration of transition should be undertaken lawfully, transparently and with due regard for institutional continuity, writes Farrukh Khosru
With the formation of a new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the nation stands at a defining crossroads. The electoral mandate has generated renewed hope, yet hope alone is not sufficient to govern effectively. Expectations are understandably high, and the responsibility to deliver rests squarely on the shoulders of the new administration. The decisions taken in these early months will shape whether this transition becomes a genuine turning point or a missed opportunity.
The first requirement is structural clarity. The government and the ruling party should remain distinct in function and responsibility. A political party mobilises support and articulates a vision; a government administers the state on behalf of all citizens. When these roles become overly intertwined, governance can suffer, and institutional integrity may be weakened. Maintaining a clear and professional boundary—while ensuring constructive coordination—will reinforce democratic practice and administrative effectiveness.
The restoration and preservation of law and order must remain a priority. Periods of political transition often bring uncertainty, and uncertainty can invite instability. Internal disagreements, local rivalries or partisan competition should not be allowed to overshadow national stability. Prolonged uncertainty risks eroding economic confidence and public trust. Stability is not merely a security concern; it is the bedrock upon which sustainable reform depends.
The economy requires steady and visible attention. Inflation has placed considerable strain on households, particularly among working and middle-income families. Market stability, disciplined supply management and prudent fiscal policy should therefore be central to the government’s agenda. Economic recovery will depend less on rhetoric and more on consistent policy implementation, regulatory enforcement and credible institutions. Restoring purchasing power and reinforcing confidence in economic management will be key measures of success.
The banking sector, long challenged by non-performing loans and regulatory shortcomings, calls for measured but firm reform. Financial mismanagement has had lasting consequences. Strengthening oversight, ensuring compliance and addressing defaulted loans in accordance with the law would demonstrate the seriousness of intent. Protecting depositors’ interests and enhancing transparency would help rebuild trust in the financial system.
Equally important is addressing rent-seeking practices and corruption at all levels through fair and impartial processes. Reform must be even-handed to retain credibility. Where accountability is applied consistently and within institutional frameworks, public confidence is strengthened. Justice should be guided by due process rather than political impulse.
The role of the bureaucracy requires balance. Civil servants are entrusted with implementing policy in the public interest. They must remain professional, neutral and accountable. At the same time, political leadership has the responsibility to set direction and uphold standards. A capable and disciplined civil service is indispensable to continuity and effective governance.
Public communication by ministers also warrants careful consideration. In a sensitive political environment, imprecise remarks can cause unnecessary concern at home and abroad. A measured and coordinated communication approach would contribute to stability and maintain public confidence.
Another very sensitive issue, the presidency is both a constitutional and symbolic matter. If the position of the incumbent President, Mohammed Shahabuddin, is perceived to sit uneasily alongside the new electoral mandate, it would be prudent to address the issue through established constitutional mechanisms. Any consideration of transition should be undertaken lawfully, transparently and with due regard for institutional continuity. For many, such a step would reflect the will expressed at the ballot box and resonate with the spirit of the July movement, remembered for the sacrifice of more than 1,400 martyrs. Recognising that history carries moral weight, however, the strength of a democracy ultimately lies in adherence to constitutional process and institutional respect.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, therefore, assumes office at a moment shaped by expectation as well as memory. Reform will require firmness tempered by prudence, and conviction guided by constitutional principle.
If this administration can combine clarity of purpose with disciplined execution, it has the opportunity not only to stabilise the present but to strengthen the democratic foundations of the future.
