Two years on (Bangladesh)

On 11 January 2007, it was easy to see that change was in the air in Bangladesh. The military-controlled Interim Government that swept into power on that day rode the coat-tails of public outrage over the violent power politics practised by the two major political camps, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Awami League. A cabinet of 'advisers' comprised of the good and the great of Dhaka's civil society had fronted the decision-makers in khaki, promising a sea change in political culture and governance, and they were publicly celebrated for their promises. The elections scheduled for 22 January were postponed indefinitely at the time, with the new regime promising to draw up a new voter roll that would eliminate the 15 million or so phantom voters that the previous BNP-led alliance had reportedly worked into the rolls.

In the months that followed, over a hundred former ministers and politicians – and scores of powerful businessmen – including BNP supremo Khaleda Zia and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina, were arrested, charged with corruption, extortion and abuse of power. It was an era of unprecedented optimism for those who had utopian visions, and who had been so distressed by the two-party bickering that they were willing to try any experiment. Indeed, no one had ever imagined that the two former prime ministers who enjoy autocratic power within their parties and have overseen regimes accused of corruption on a grand scale – could ever be embarrassed for abuses of power, let alone be legally prosecuted. Two years on, the optimism has run aground.