Prothom Alo :
What is your assessment of the BNP government’s first few months in office?
Asif Bin Ali: A certain degree of abnormality and instability still prevails in the corridors of power in Dhaka. In this situation, the BNP government appears to have adopted a “go slow” policy. It will take some more time to determine how much of this policy is strategic and how much is due to a shortage of competent people. If this is a strategy aimed at ensuring state stability, it is commendable. But if the policy is being followed because of conflicts among various syndicates and because competent people are not being placed in the right positions, it will lead to failure.
Regarding the instability, first, there is a crisis of balance of power. Since July, two major forces have emerged: the BNP, which represents centrist politics, and Jamaat and the NCP, which represent right-wing and centre-right politics. But the space on the centre-left that the Awami League had occupied for so long is now completely vacant. No new political force has yet emerged capable of filling this major vacuum.
Second, although major oligarchic groups suffered a significant setback after July, they still possess substantial economic capital and have not yet been brought fully under the rule of law.
Third, there appears to be internal tension or friction within the state forces that has not yet completely subsided. In addition, some far-right elements have emerged in society that possess the capacity for violence, and some mainstream intellectuals, journalists and teachers are also supporting them.
If an elected government cannot manage these competing tensions and conflicts through a gradual, non-violent democratic process, the situation could become more heated at any time.