The World This Week

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CWA # 1440, 11 August 2024
The World This Week
Interim government in Bangladesh

  GP Team

The World This Week #273, Vol. 6 No. 27, 11 August 2024

Ayan Datta

Interim government in Bangladesh
Ayan Datta

What happened?
On 09 August, the Bangladesh interim government’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, allocated 27 ministries and divisions to himself, including defence, jute and textiles, commerce, employment, education and liberation war affairs. Two student leaders, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, received the Ministries of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, and Youth and Sports, respectively. Adilur Rahaman Khan and AF Hassan Arif, who were law officers under Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rule, received the Ministries of Industries and Local Government respectively. 

On 08 August, Bangladesh’s 16-member interim government was sworn in at Bangabhaban (the President’s official residence), with Yunus as Chief Advisor. Following the oath-taking ceremony, Yunus stated: "Tomorrow, with the rising sun, democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression will be enjoyed by all, regardless of party affiliation…I will uphold, support and protect the constitution.” 

On the same day, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, congratulated Yunus and hoped for an “early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities.”

On 07 August, the US and the UK refused political asylum to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

What is the background?
First, Hasina's exit, following protests and violence. The students’ protests began with the demand for reforming Bangladesh’s quota system. However, after the government’s harsh response against the protesters and the killings of students by police, SAD movement leaders demanded Hasina’s resignation. Although the former Prime Minster responded by declaring a curfew on 04 August, her army chiefs informed that they would not be able to enforce it. The following day, the people violated the curfew and marched towards her official residence, Ganabhaban, in massive numbers. The Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, asked Hasina to resign and leave the country, stating that the military would not be able to guarantee her security from the approaching protesters. 

Second, Yunus's re-entry. According to Amnesty International, the Awami League harassed Yunus with over 100 lawsuits, including charges of money laundering and labour law violence. However, after Hasina’s exit, the SAD leaders demanded that he should head the interim government. According to Al Jazeera, the protesters are seeking a “noncontroversial, nonpolitical, somebody who is neutral, who has global connections and can bring something to the table for Bangladesh” during its hour of crisis. The Chief of Army Staff supported him, stating: “I am certain that he will be able to take us through a beautiful democratic process.”

Third, continuing violence. After Hasina’s departure, the protesters resorted to vandalism and violence, ransacking Ganabhaban and targeting AL offices, national monuments, police stations and other public property. Furthermore, they targeted AL leaders, activists and minorities. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) stated that protesters vandalised 200-300 Hindu homes and 15-20 temples from 5 to 6 August, injuring 40 people. Additionally, massive mobs killed 29 Awami League (AL) leaders and family members in Bangladesh’s Satkhira, Cumilla, and Natore regions. According to Reuters, Hindus are leaving Bangladesh because of lawlessness and religious persecution.

Fourth, challenges ahead. Although Yunus has little experience in electoral politics and suffers from ill health, the people have tall expectations of him. The people expect the Chief Advisor to unite the country after the instability of the protests, restore law and order and stop violence against minorities by controlling Islamist groups like the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Furthermore, the country’s aspirational youth and students expect the US-trained economist to reduce Bangladesh’s high youth unemployment rate (around 30 per cent, according to the World Bank), restore investor confidence, and revive economic growth. Furthermore, Yunus will have to ensure civilian control over the government and foster cooperative relations with India, which is sheltering Hasina. 

What does it mean? 
First, the political chaos. Although students were initially the main participants of the protests, the country’s Islamist groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami as well as the Hefazat-e-Islami Bangladesh, used the people’s grievances and the chaos unleashed by the protests to reconstitute their cadre bases. Initially, these groups used the protesters as cover and attacked government forces. After Hasina’s fall, the Islamists received a fresh boost from the military government, as thousands of imprisoned BNP and Jamaat leaders were released from jail.  With their ranks replenished, these Islamist groups escalated the protests and began violence and vandalism against the minorities to reassert their presence. 

Second, the challenges facing Yunus. With no prior political experience, Yunus will prove a strong technocrat but a weak leader. The BNP and Jamaat will see his tenure as an opportunity to expand their influence over the government.

TWTW Regional Roundups
News from around the world
Rohini Reenum, Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Nuha Amina, Samrudhi Pathak, Sachin Aravind, Sayeka Ghosh, Ayan Datta, Vetriselvi Baskaran and Neha Tresa George

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Joint counterterrorism drill with Africa
On 04 August, the South China Morning Post reported that China, Tanzania, and Mozambique commenced a trilateral counterterrorism exercise “Peace Unity-2024.” This marked Beijing’s renewed focus on military diplomacy in Africa. The drill, scheduled until mid-August, involves ground units from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Central Theatre Command and a naval flotilla from the Southern Theatre Command. The exercise encompasses a range of operations including anti-piracy patrols, boarding and seizure techniques, and joint maritime patrols. A China specialist at the National Defence University’s Africa Centre for Strategic Studies in Washington, Paul Nantulya, describes this as a “blended approach” combining military, diplomatic, and cultural engagement. The drill serves multiple purposes for China, including strengthening political ties, showcasing military assets, and testing new equipment. For African countries, it offers professional training and alternative defence partnerships.

China: Donates USD three million through the UN to Gaza
On 05 August, the CGTN reported on the Chinese donation of USD three million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The People’s Republic of China’s Head of Office Zeng Jixin signed the agreement with Deputy Commissioner General of the UNRWA, Antonia Marie De Meo. Zeng stated: “China had provided emergency cash assistance to the agency after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict last year and will continue to implement the Global Security Initiative works with the international community to end the fighting in Gaza at an early date, ease the disastrous humanitarian situation, and implement the two-state solution.” 

China: Launches 18 Qianfan satellites
On 06 August, Global Times reported that China took a significant step in the global satellite internet industry by successfully launching 18 Qianfan satellites. The Qianfan mega constellation project, also known as G60, aims to establish a network of over 15,000 low-Earth orbit satellites to provide high-quality communication services. Qianfan is set to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink to achieve regional coverage by 2025 and global coverage by 2027. Currently, it has about 5,500 satellites in orbit. The project emphasises multimedia functionality and broadband capabilities to meet diverse user needs. This development is expected to accelerate innovation in various sectors, including mobile technology, autonomous driving, and disaster prevention.

China: Supports Bangladesh’s interim government
On 09 August, China expressed its support to Bangladesh’s new interim government. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to non-interference, highlighting its policy of “good neighbourliness and friendship with all people of Bangladesh.” Beijing views its relationship with Dhaka as valuable, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation. This stance underscores China’s desire to strengthen its “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” with Bangladesh.

EAST ASIA THIS WEEK
Japan: 79th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombing
On 09 August, The Japan Times reported that Nagasaki's anti-nuclear campaign, held monthly at Nagasaki Peace Park, surpassed its 500th rally and showcased their commitment to abolish nuclear weapons. Koichi Kawano, a survivor and chairman of the Nagasaki Prefecture Peace Movement Centre said: “Our next goal is, of course, to reach 1,000 rallies.” Kawano further underlined the importance of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. On 07 August, Japan remembered the 79th anniversary of the nuclear bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Japan reaffirmed its aim to eliminate the atomic weapons. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated: “It is the mission of Japan, the only country to have suffered nuclear war, to pass on the reality of the atomic bombings to future generations.” The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin visited Tokyo and stated that Japan will again seek assurances from the US in preparation to use extended pre-emption -nuclear weapons. 

Pacific: Climate disaster safe warehouses to be built on the Pacific island countries
On 09 August, Reuters reported that Australia and New Zealand issued USD 28.05 million for Pacific island countries, to restore humanitarian aid in the region. The Pacific island countries are experiencing cyclones, as the “Pacific Ring of Fire” is seismically active, triggering earthquakes. The plan aims to pre-position humanitarian supplies that allow commuters to respond immediately during an emergency. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said: “It would ensure there is easily accessible support and supplies on the ground for communities when disaster strikes.” 

SOUTH ASIA THIS WEEK
India: External Affairs Minister to visit Maldives
On 08 August, India’s Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar announced a three-day visit to Maldives. This is proposed to strengthen the bilateral ties. This would be his first visit since Maldives’ President Mohamed Muizzu was re-elected. India and Maldives are likely to inaugurate the High Impact Community Development Projects and Line of Credit facility of the EXIM Bank of India. The ministry stated: “The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further.” 

Nepal: India’s foreign secretary to pay “familiarisation” visit to Kathmandu
On 09 August, Nepal and India announced Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misry’s two-day visit to Nepal. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation. Before Nepal, Misri undertook his first “familiarisation” visit to Bhutan after he assumed his position. He stated that the visit highlights India’s priorities for its relationship with Nepal under the “Neighbourhood First Policy.” During the visit, he is likely to hold bilateral meetings with President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana. 

Pakistan: National Assembly passes resolution on Kashmir against India’s policies
On 06 August, the National Assembly unanimously agreed upon a resolution against India’s one-sided invalidation of Kashmir’s special status. However, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chief, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, rejected the bill arguing that Pakistan has always supported freedom movements and that the Kashmiris must be asked what they want. The Youm-i[1]Istehsaal-i-Kashmir Day Resolution was proposed by the Safron and Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam. The resolution demands India to extend humanitarian aid, release Kashmiri politicians in prison, end human rights violations and “implement the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”

Pakistan: “Relations with the US must be repaired but not at the cost of China,” says Prime Minister
On 04 August, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of repairing relations with the US. He stated that China’s support for Pakistan was not equivalent to the US support for Pakistan. However, this reparation should not be at the cost of its ties with China and vice versa. He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has shown progress and that the government will ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. He commented that there is no room for “politics” in the relations between Pakistan and China. 

Pakistan: Election Act (Amendment Bill) 2024 passed amidst opposition
On 06 August, the government “bulldozed” the Election Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 through both houses of the parliament. The bill is allegedly aimed at “circumventing” the Supreme Court verdict on reserved seats and eliminating any possibility of extended legislative strength of the PTI. The bill was first passed hastily in the National Assembly despite opposition and later in the Senate without a debate. PML (N)’s ally, Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan’s Farooq Sattar criticised the hasty passage of the bill as his party was not “consulted.” Further, he argued that the bill pits the judiciary against the parliament. While the opposition claims that the bill is “unconstitutional” and a “direct attack on the judiciary,” Law Minister Azam Naseer Tarar opined that the ruling was as per Article 51 and Article 106. 

Pakistan: Expresses solidarity with the people of Bangladesh
On 08 August, The News International reported that Pakistan expressed its support to the people of Bangladesh. The Foreign Office stated: “The Government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, sincerely hoping for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy.” The FO believes that the unity and spirit of the people would lead Bangladesh to a harmonious future. This came after reports of an interim government headed by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus was sworn in.

MIDDLE-EAST THIS WEEK 
Israel: Yahya Sinwar becomes new Hamas chief, Israel vows to assassinate him
On 06 August, the Times of Israel reported that Hamas’ 50-member Shura Council selected Yahya Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar as head of its Political Bureau. On the same day, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel Katz, stated: “The appointment of arch-terrorist Yahya Sinwar as the new leader of Hamas, replacing Ismail Haniyeh, is yet another compelling reason to swiftly eliminate him and wipe this vile organisation off the face of the Earth.” Sinwar was Hamas’ leader in the Gaza Strip but went underground after the 07 October attack on Israel, which Israel believes he orchestrated. 
 
AFRICA THIS WEEK
Mali: Cuts diplomatic ties with Ukraine
On 05 August, Mali cut off its diplomatic ties with Ukraine after it suffered a defeat fighting Tuareg rebels in July. The fight resulted in the death of 84 Wagner troops and 47 Malian soldiers. The development came after on 29 July the spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), Andriy Yusov, said that the rebels received “all the information they needed, which allowed [them] to carry out their operation against the Russian war criminals.” Malian military officials responded that Yusov had “admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups that resulted in the death of members of the Malian Defence and Security Forces.” Soon after, it broke off relations with Ukraine.

Kenya: New cabinet sworn in while protests continue
On 08 August, the new cabinet was sworn in Kenya. The cabinet includes four opposition leaders as well. This comes after months-long protests against a controversial tax bix which evolved into anti-government protests, demanding Ruto’s withdrawal. Ruto dissolved the cabinet and formed a new one to contain the protests. Police fired tear gas at the protesters who were attempting to storm President William Ruto’s residence. Ruto named his new coalition the “alliance of rivals” and promised not to fail Kenyans.

EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS THIS WEEK 
Bulgaria: President calls for seventh parliamentary election in three years
On 07 August, President Rumen Radev announced the parliamentary election due to a lack of support for the current government to form a coalition. This would be the seventh elections in three years. The country had an unstable parliament since the anti-graft protests in 2020 against the coalition government formed by the centre-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party. In the recent election, GERB became the largest party in the country. Another biggest party is the Continue the Change (PP) party. Bulgaria continues to face a stalemate since 2021, barring it from joining the Eurozone and operate freely in Schengen area. The election is scheduled during the upcoming two months.

Italy: Legislation to promote green energy
On 07 August, Italy passed a legislation to promote the green energy sector. This aims to meet the decarbonisation goals of the country. The government plans to increase the solar energy generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2030. Under the new legislation, solar power projects with below ten-megawatt capacity will not need clearance from the government. The approval process has been reduced. However, installation of solar power plants on agricultural land is prohibited under the new law. This move has been criticised by renewable developers and supported by agriculture lobby groups who are key supporters of the current government. Companies have urged the government to look at agri-voltaic projects to use agricultural land for PV installation. However, the government is yet to pass the bill in its bicameral parliamentary houses.

Cyprus: Central Bank revises GDP growth to three per cent
On 06 August, the Central Bank of Cyprus published its Economic Bulletin June 2024 edition. In the Bulletin, the Bank revised the projected GDP growth rate to three per cent, increasing it by 0.2 per cent. The growth is mainly driven by the domestic demand rather than the export demand. The upward trend is due to better-than-expected economic returns in tourism services, trade and construction, and an expected decrease in inflation due to the eurozone's unified monetary policy. The Bulletin said that the projection is “conservative.” Meanwhile, it recognises the volatility of the economy due to the uncertain external environment. The bank highlighted the role of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility in supporting economic activity in Cyprus. Employment in the country is expected to increase by 1.6 per cent and inflation by 2.1 per cent as per the Bulletin. 

Venezuela: Probe against Gonzalez and Machado over election victory claims
On 06 August, a criminal investigation was launched against opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Vente Venezuela party leader Maria Corina Machado for announcing their election victory against President Nicolas Maduro. Attorney General Tarek William Saab stated that Urrutia and Machado “falsely announced a winner of the presidential election other than the one proclaimed by the National Electoral Council, the only body qualified to do so” and they openly incited “police and military officials to disobey the laws." The National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro's victory with 96.9 per cent of the votes counted. The results sparked violent protests across the country against election irregularities.

About the Authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD scholar at NIAS. Anu Maria Joseph and Padmashree Anandhan are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Vetriselvi Baskaran, Neha Tresa George, Sayeka Ghosh, Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS. Samruddi Pathak is a Research Intern at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a postgraduate student at the University of Hyderabad.

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