Dhaka: Bangladesh is witnessing a significant political upheaval, as student protests have transformed into a larger movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her departure to India and the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus to head an interim government mark a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape. However, the youth who played a crucial role in toppling the government are now facing disappointment, as their involvement in governance remains minimal.

The protests, which began over government job quota reforms, quickly evolved into a full-scale movement against Hasina's administration. Despite the students' role in this political transition, they are being sidelined in the decision-making processes of the interim government. Instead, many student leaders are relegated to tasks such as maintaining order, directing traffic, and restoring normalcy in Dhaka in the absence of police, as classes remain suspended and their futures uncertain.

While it was initially projected that students would play a central role in shaping Bangladesh’s future, they are largely absent from governance discussions. This has raised concerns about the direction of the country’s reforms, which are crucial for tackling issues such as corruption, governance, and restoring peace. So far, the interim government, led by Yunus, has not actively included student leaders in its core functions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has taken advantage of the situation, leveraging youth discontent to further its own political agenda. BNP officials have expressed skepticism about the students' ability to govern, citing their lack of political experience. With student leaders potentially becoming targets for political violence or intimidation, the political landscape has become increasingly complex, adding to the challenges the interim government faces.

Yunus has emphasized that his primary mandate is to ensure free and fair elections. His office has stated that elections will be held once reforms are made in key institutions, including the election commission, judiciary, and security forces. However, no detailed reform plan has been presented, fueling further uncertainty about the future of governance in Bangladesh.

In the meantime, the interim government has focused on personnel changes at state institutions, including the forced resignations of high-ranking officials. Media outlets perceived as close to the Awami League have also faced purges. Critics argue that these moves do not constitute genuine structural reform, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the country.

As student leaders face increasing pressure from political parties and interest groups, many are questioning the interim government’s true intentions. Despite the student-led movement’s success in overthrowing Hasina’s government, they now find themselves marginalized in the country’s evolving political scene. Some, like Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyian, a coordinator of the protests, have been given insignificant roles in the interim government, further underscoring the perception that students have been shortchanged.

The interim government has not yet set a timeline for its tenure, with officials stating that the priority remains finalizing the reform agenda. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, in charge of the environment ministry, recently said, “If you don’t want reforms, that is a separate discussion. Now, there is no reason to get restless.”

Yunus himself holds control over 27 ministries, including defense, education, energy, and food. However, his plans for the nation remain unclear, two weeks after Hasina’s departure. The lack of law enforcement has prompted citizens to organize nighttime patrols to protect vulnerable minorities, particularly Hindus, in the wake of unrest.

Student leaders like Nahid Islam, who serves as the Post and Telecommunication Adviser, have downplayed rumors of forming a political party, stating that the goal remains to engage in dialogue with the people and reshape Bangladesh in line with the spirit of the revolution. Still, the students’ reluctance to establish a political organization may hinder their ability to capitalize on the movement’s momentum.

As Bangladesh’s youth population swells, representing nearly 40% of the country’s demographic, the interim government must address the needs and concerns of this vital group. The exhilaration of revolution is fading, and without meaningful participation in governance, the students who sparked the change now face an uncertain future.