When Bangladesh was hit with a major political crisis following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina-led government last year, Muhammad Yunus was seen as a beacon of hope for the country’s democratic resurgence. However, in less than a year, the Nobel laureate finds himself at the centre of a political maelstrom.
Appointed as the Chief Adviser of the interim government in August 2024, Yunus' tenure has been marred by escalating tensions with the military, stalled reforms, and mounting domestic and international criticism.
Fractured relationship with the military
Central to Yunus’ challenges have been his deteriorating relationship with the Bangladeshi military, particularly Army Chief Waqer-uz-Zaman. There are several flashpoints between the two, primarily the proposal of a Rakhine corridor to Myanmar and the timeline of the national elections.
Zaman has expressed strong opposition to the “humanitarian corridor” and “safe zone” for Rohingya refugees – an idea pushed by Yunus – citing national security concerns and potential implications for Bangladesh's sovereignty.
Also, the Army chief has advocated for national elections to be held by December 2025, emphasizing the need for a timely return to democratic governance. Conversely, Yunus has suggested a more extended timeline, proposing elections by March 2026 to ensure comprehensive reforms and stability.
Further straining relations was Yunus' unilateral decision to appoint Khalilur Rahman as the National Security Advisor without consulting the military—a move perceived as an attempt to sideline the army's influence.
News18 quoted top intelligence sources saying that Zaman is exploring all options to remove Yunus from power. They said the Army chief is not convinced with the idea of delaying national polls till June next year and is considering various avenues, including exploiting constitutional ambiguities, to challenge Yunus’s interim government.
The report quoted sources highlighting that the interim government’s legal basis is fragile, as Bangladesh’s constitution mandates elections within 90 days of a government’s dissolution. Zaman plans to bring the parties of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia together and contest elections for the country, they said.
Protests grip Bangladesh
Primary school teachers in Bangladesh joined public sector workers in protests against the interim government on Monday amid growing discontent and political uncertainty in the South Asian country, reported Reuters.
Yunus' administration has faced pressure from civil servants, teachers, political parties and the military as the caretaker government attempts to guide the country through a fragile transition before holding a general election.
The government issued an ordinance on Sunday allowing the Ministry of Public Administration to dismiss public servants for misconduct without lengthy procedures, sparking outrage across the bureaucracy.
Government employees continued their demonstrations for a third consecutive day on Monday, calling the ordinance "repressive" and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
Thousands of teachers in government primary schools also began indefinite leave from work on Monday, demanding a hike in wages.
In the face of protests by the employees of National Board of Revenue, the interim government was forced on Sunday to withdraw an order to dissolve the tax body and replace it with two divisions under the finance ministry.
The strike was then called off.
Political uncertainty also deepened last week after a top student leader said Yunus said he could step down if political parties cannot agree on reforms and an election timeline.
Meanwhile, an India Today report quoted sources in Bangladesh government saying that student leaders are rallying youths and Islamists to stage protest in Dhaka.
Yunus shows no signs of stepping aside
After initially suggesting that he was mulling resignation, Yunus has conveyed to remain as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.
“He (Yunus) didn’t say he will leave. He said that while we face many obstacles in carrying out the work and responsibilities assigned to us, we are overcoming them,” Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud told reporters after an unscheduled meeting of the advisory council. “He (Yunus) is definitely staying,” Mahmud said. He said none of the advisers were going anywhere as “the responsibility entrusted to us is a significant one; we cannot abandon this duty”.
Yunus has reportedly sought support from other political parties. He met around 20 party leaders on Sunday, after talks that stretched late into Saturday evening with the major political parties, including those who have protested against the government this month.
Mamunul Haque, leader of the Islamist Khelafat-e-Majlish party, was among those who spoke to Yunus on Sunday in discussions that he said focused on "the ongoing crisis".
Sheikh Hasina's counteroffensive
From her exile in India, Sheikh Hasina has mounted a vigorous campaign against Yunus. She accuses him of seizing power with the backing of militant groups and foreign entities, particularly the United States. Hasina has also condemned the banning of her party, the Awami League, labelling it unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
The looming threat of a coup
The confluence of internal dissent, military dissatisfaction, and external pressures has led to speculation about a potential coup. The army's insistence on timely elections and its opposition to Yunus's policies suggest a diminishing tolerance for his leadership. Should Yunus resign or be ousted, Bangladesh could face another period of political instability, undermining the very reforms he sought to implement.
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