The Legitimacy of the Interim Government Formed in Bangladesh on August 8, 2024: A Mixed Approach

The collapse of the Awami League regime in Bangladesh represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic trajectory, raising questions about legitimacy, governance, and political accountability. This study critically investigates the multidimensional causes behind the fall, situating it within theoretical frameworks of legitimacy and transitional governance. Drawing upon survey data, elite interviews, and press analysis, the research identifies structural, institutional, and popular factors that eroded regime stability. Widespread dissatisfaction over electoral manipulation, weakening rule of law, and elite factionalism undermined the government’s capacity to maintain legitimacy. Parallel to these institutional weaknesses, public trust in governance sharply declined, with surveys and press coverage highlighting a growing disconnect between the ruling party and citizen expectations. The findings are integrated with legitimacy theory, showing how procedural, performance-based, and moral legitimacy deficits culminated in systemic breakdown. By combining empirical depth with theoretical insights, this paper contributes to broader debates on democratic fragility in South Asia. The study concludes with policy recommendations to foster inclusive governance, strengthen electoral integrity, and safeguard democratic institutions in Bangladesh.