The people of Bangladesh are always election centric. They love elections. They love democracy. They take any election as a festival. They always dream of democratic Bangladesh  where peace will shower on them as it does on Finland.

They had hoped for better governance after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on 5 August 2024. But their hope has been dashed as the interim government has struggled to restore public order over the past year.

Amid rising tensions across the political landscape and the country, several speculations are circulating, reflecting the nation’s mood.

Three scenarios, in particular, are being discussed by political analysts, mainstream media and social media alike.

The first is that the much-hyped February election may not take place as declared. Political tensions are growing amid a war of words among BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP leaders over the election schedule and the much-discussed July Declaration, or July Charter.

In this context, one speculation is that the interim government may be reshaped, with Professor Yunus remaining at the helm while replacing some controversial advisers.

The second scenario points to the possibility of a caretaker government headed by the immediate past Chief Justice as a top court order has already reinstated the constitutional option for the caretaker system.

The third, in a worst-case scenario, is a direct military takeover, especially as geopolitical interests involving the USA, India and China remain active in various forms.

Despite all the uncertainties, the people of Bangladesh continue to hope for an elected government that can revive the country’s struggling economy and help businesses return to normalcy.