AS GEORGE Bernard Shaw aptly observed, ‘The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.’ This insight resonates profoundly with the recent struggles of Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, who assumed office amid a landscape marked by political turbulence and widespread uncertainty. Since its inauguration, the government has confronted a complex array of challenges, each unique in scope and severity, yet unified by one troubling constant: a critical shortfall in effective government communication.
This communication gap perhaps began on the government’s very first day, when newly appointed advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, responding to journalists’ enquiries regarding the potential tenure of the interim administration, curtly advised them not to ask ‘embarrassing’ questions. Shortly afterward, Brigadier Shakhawat Hossain publicly suggested that the Awami League reorganise its ranks and expressed ‘respect’ for Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister who had left the country amidst a mass uprising. Following a wave of public backlash and pointed criticism from student leaders, including Hasnat Abdullah, Brigadier Shakhawat was reassigned from the ministry of home affairs to the ministry of textiles and jute. In a recent interview with journalist Khaled Mohiuddin, however, Brigadier Shakhawat claimed that his reassignment was not the result of demands from student leaders but rather pressure from Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing. Such misrepresentation risks deepening tensions, as BNP leaders may interpret this as an adversarial stance from the government.
Further confusion emerged when Farida Akhtar, the advisor responsible for the ministry of fisheries and livestock, announced that Bangladesh would not export Hilsa to India before Durga Puja, only to be contradicted later by Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the advisor to the ministry of commerce, who permitted the export of 3,000 tonnes of Hilsa. This decision received mixed responses among Bangladeshis and underscored the importance of cohesive and unified messaging, especially on policies with international implications.
The interim government’s response to accusations of minority repression following the events of August 5 has also lacked clarity. Although the Yunus administration acknowledged isolated incidents of minority harassment, they dismissed broader allegations of widespread repression, calling them exaggerated. Meanwhile, Sweden-based Netra News recently debunked several cases alleging religiously motivated attacks, yet international media, especially in India, have continued to promote a contrasting narrative. The government’s lack of a robust response to challenge this portrayal may have even contributed to Donald Trump’s pre-election tweet condemning the alleged repression of Hindus in Bangladesh. While the administration has made efforts to enhance security during recent Durga Puja celebrations — reports indicate that this year’s festivities occurred with greater peace and in more venues than in previous years — these positive developments have not been effectively communicated. This communication gap may have sown unease, as reflected in recent rallies by Hindu communities in Chittagong.
The government’s communication challenges have not gone unnoticed by Bangladesh’s de facto largest political party, the BNP. On multiple occasions, BNP leaders have voiced frustration over the government’s apparent reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. This communication gap has seemingly fostered mutual mistrust between the BNP and the interim government — a mistrust that serves neither party’s interests. Notably, this tension may have influenced the BNP’s strong stance against the government’s proposal to remove president Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu, who faces serious allegations of corruption and oath violations. Had the government clearly communicated its intentions from the outset, BNP leaders might have been less suspicious of the administration’s motives, potentially averting their opposition to a move that appears to have garnered popular support.
More recently, Dr Muhammad Yunus’s press secretary, Mr Shafiqul Alam, made certain disparaging remarks in a Facebook post about several newspapers while attempting to defend the prominent Bangla daily, Prothom Alo, against social media criticisms. Although it is likely that these comments were made without Dr Yunus’s endorsement, they raise questions about whether Mr Alam’s actions may have breached government ethical standards and exceeded his official capacity. As press secretary, Mr Alam should be acutely aware of the weight his words carry and exercise greater caution, as his statements could easily be misconstrued as the government’s official stance. This incident could likely have been avoided had Mr Alam refrained from airing personal views publicly, especially on a topic of heightened public sentiment.
The government has also yet to clearly communicate a strategy to capture those involved in the atrocities committed during the July uprising who remain at large. Some perpetrators have already fled the country, but the government has been notably silent on any measures to extradite these individuals or ensure they face justice. This lack of communication risks raising doubts about the government’s commitment to accountability, potentially eroding public confidence in the administration’s sincerity to deliver justice.
Three months have passed since the interim government was sworn in — a period often referred to as the administration’s ‘honeymoon phase.’ With this initial period now over, the government must elevate its performance, especially in communication, if it is to fulfil the monumental task it has undertaken. Clear and consistent messaging will be essential to avoid confusion and mistrust, which can weaken public trust in the government. Bangladesh cannot afford this erosion of confidence, especially in the wake of the sacrifices made by countless lives during the July uprising.
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Dr Anup Raihan is a financial economist.
