'Parts of the same family': Bangladesh Army's damage control amid reports of rift with interim govt

Amid widespread reports of rift with the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the Bangladesh Army rushed for damage control, denying any discord between the Yunus and Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman.

“This issue is extremely sensitive, and I urge everyone not to misinterpret the situation. There is no difference of opinion between the government and the Bangladesh Army. We are working together, complementing each other in every step,” Brigadier General Nazim-ud-Daula said while addressing a press conference at Army headquarters in Dhaka.

Nazim-ud-Daula referred to the Army and government as “parts of the same family”. "Just like in any family, there may occasionally be differences in words or understanding. But these are not signs of division. They are part of the process, and everything can be resolved," he said, as quoted by India Today.

Brigadier General Daula cautioned against overinterpreting routine coordination issues, dismissing speculation of discord. "Some reports suggest a deep divide, but that's simply not true. The government and the Army are working in close coordination, and cooperation remains strong," he said.

This comes amid reports of rift between Yunus and Army chief Zaman over a host of issues, especially the proposed Rakhine corridor and holding national elections. Zaman has criticised the proposal for the corridor, referring to it as the "bloody corridor" and also wants elections to be held latest by the end of this year.

According to top intelligence sources quoted by News18, Zaman was exploring all possible options to remove Yunus from power. They said the army chief was not convinced with the idea of waiting until June for elections.

Zaman plans to bring the parties of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia together and contest elections for the country, say sources. Should Zaman fail to transition power from Yunus, he prefers a soft takeover of Bangladesh politics to manage the situation temporarily, sources suggest.

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.