The article critiques the persistent failure in Bangladesh to effectively implement existing laws and reforms, despite numerous initiatives by successive governments, including the current interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. It highlights ongoing issues such as non-enforcement of building regulations, violence against women, land grabbing, and judicial inefficiencies, emphasizing that the problem lies not in the laws themselves but in their poor execution by administrative and law enforcement bodies. The interim government’s focus on formulating reform proposals and securing political commitments, including a referendum alongside the upcoming national elections, is seen as insufficient without a deeper understanding and resolution of the root causes of governance failures.
Furthermore, the article underscores the challenges that lie beyond legislation, noting that even well-intended reforms often falter during implementation due to bureaucratic inertia, political resistance, and lack of accountability. It stresses that meaningful reform outcomes require a credible electoral process, a committed ruling party, a strong opposition, an effective parliament, and active civil society oversight. Ultimately, the author argues that genuine social transformation in Bangladesh depends on cultivating a new political, bureaucratic, and civic culture that can translate reform promises into tangible results, honoring the sacrifices made by youth during the 2024 July Uprising.
