With Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus stepping in to lead an interim government, the country has reached a critical point. The change in leadership occurs during increased political tension, with fears about the possibility of democratic backsliding. In this environment, digital governance is more than just a technology; it is a critical support system for democratic changes and a deterrent to the slide toward authoritarianism or fascism. As a result, it is essential to understand how digital governance may revolutionize Bangladesh's political transition, with a focus on its ability to improve openness, accountability, and citizen involvement. More crucially, it can avoid democratic degeneration, ensuring Bangladesh's political stability in the future.

Digital governance, or using digital tools and technology to improve government processes' efficiency, openness, and inclusivity, is both an option and a need in today's political scene. It entails implementing e-government services, digital citizen involvement platforms, and data analytics to inform policy decisions. The role of digital governance in sustaining openness is vital during political transitions when preserving democratic integrity is critical. By implementing digital tools, governments may ensure that their activities are transparent, authorities are held responsible, and citizens actively participate in the democratic process. This emphasis on transparency builds trust between the government and its citizens and ensures the integrity of the political process, giving the audience confidence in the course of the political shift.

Digital governance can also be an effective instrument for increasing accountability. By making information more available, digital tools can assist in holding government officials responsible for their actions. This type of citizen-driven accountability can help prevent abuses of power and keep the government responsive to the people's interests. In addition to improving openness and accountability, digital governance can increase citizen participation in the political system. In Bangladesh, where youth comprise a sizable proportion of the population, digital platforms can involve young people in political processes. By creating a more inclusive and participatory political environment, digital governance can assist in establishing a more robust democracy in which every citizen feels more involved in the political process, instilling hope and optimism for the future.

The potential of digital governance in political transitions is not theoretical; it has been proved in various settings around the world. For example, Estonia is frequently considered a global leader in digital governance, having successfully launched e-governance programs that have altered how citizens interact with the government. During its political transition after regaining independence in the early 1990s, Estonia used digital tools to create a transparent and responsible government, setting an example for other countries. Similarly, digital governance was critical in Ukraine's political turmoil following the 2014 revolution. The Ukrainian government used digital tools to improve transparency and involve citizens in reform. These worldwide examples provide valuable insights for Bangladesh, where similar digital governance projects can be tailored to the local environment. Bangladesh can learn from these experiences and create a digital governance framework that supports its democratic transition and strengthens its political institutions.

While the benefits of digital governance are obvious, considerable hurdles must be overcome for its successful implementation in Bangladesh. One of the most pressing concerns is the issue of digital infrastructure and the digital divide. Despite significant improvement in recent years, access to digital technology is still uneven across the country, with rural areas especially disadvantaged. Investing in crucial infrastructure and bridging the digital gap is critical to enabling inclusive digital government, which allows all citizens, regardless of geography, to benefit from digital services. Another vital aspect is cybersecurity and privacy. As the government relies more on digital platforms, the risks of cyberattacks and data breaches grow. Protecting people's data and ensuring digital platform integrity are critical issues that must be resolved. Robust cybersecurity frameworks and stringent data protection legislation must be developed and implemented to secure people's privacy and sustain faith in digital governance systems.

A strategic plan is required to implement digital governance in Bangladesh successfully. This plan should cover both short- and long-term objectives. In the short term, the interim administration can concentrate on building the essential digital infrastructure, such as expanding internet access to underserved areas and creating digital forums for citizen interaction. Long-term objectives should include incorporating digital governance into all elements of government operations, from policy formulation to service delivery. This could entail creating a thorough e-governance strategy defining the measures required for full digital transformation. Under Muhammad Yunus' leadership, the interim administration has an unprecedented chance to establish the groundwork for digital governance. The interim administration may contribute to a more transparent, responsible, and participatory political environment by promoting digital tools and technologies. This will not only help with the current political transition but will also pave the way for a more robust and resilient democracy in the coming years, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this undertaking.

Digital governance could play a critical role in Bangladesh's political change. Digital governance can contribute to a smooth and democratic transition by increasing transparency, encouraging accountability, and facilitating citizen participation. The potential benefits of digital governance in Bangladesh's political transition are substantial, and addressing issues such as digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and privacy is critical to realizing this potential. To promote democracy and human rights in Bangladesh, the interim government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders must work together to emphasize digital governance. With the appropriate strategy, digital governance can be a potent weapon for promoting democratic reforms, combating authoritarianism, and safeguarding the nation's future.

Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Assistant Professor of Marketing, BRAC Business School, BRAC University. Email: mohd.sh.islam@bracu.ac.bd