Crisis deepens in Bangladesh: Pressure on Mohammad Yunus' interim government to resign, what is the reason behind this?

Dhaka: Bangladesh interim government chief and Nobel Prize winner Mohammad Yunus is once again in the headlines, but this time his government seems to be in serious trouble. In recent developments, Yunus has spoken of considering the possibility of resignation, which has further increased political and social turmoil in the country. According to a BBC Bangla report, Yunus expressed his frustration in a closed-door meeting with his advisory council and leaders of the National Civil Party (NCP), in which he said, "I feel like a hostage. If political parties do not unite, I will not be able to work."

Roots of the crisis: Pressure from the army and political parties

Mohammad Yunus was entrusted with the leadership of the interim government after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government in August 2024. The change came after a mass movement led by students forced Hasina to resign and flee to India. Yunus was chosen because of his global reputation and neutral image, but now his government is facing many challenges.

1. Army ultimatum: Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has given Yunus an ultimatum to hold national elections by December 2025. In addition, the army termed the Yunus government's proposed "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar's Rakhine state as a "bloody corridor" and called it a threat to national sovereignty and would not allow it.
2. Disagreement from political parties: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other opposition parties have demanded the removal of some members of Yunus' advisory council, such as Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud. They allege that these advisers are affiliated with the NCP, raising questions over the impartiality of the government. Apart from this, the NCP has also demanded the reconstitution of the Election Commission and the removal of some advisers, which has put Yunus under further pressure.
3. Economic and social instability: Yunus' government is facing the challenge of dealing with the economic crisis and rising food prices. Apart from this, attacks on Hindu minorities and communal violence after Hasina's resignation have further complicated the situation. Yunus had warned of strict action against violence and said that he might resign if the violence did not stop.

Student movement and NCP's role

The student movement, especially the force that emerged as Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and now the NCP, played a key role in bringing Yunus to power. But now NCP leader Nahid Islam admitted that Yunus is feeling helpless amid the "political chaos". "We told him to stay strong for the security and future of the country, but if he does not get trust and assurance, he can consider resigning," Islam told BBC Bangla.

International reaction

The news of Yunus' possible resignation has caught the attention of the international community. India, which is Bangladesh's major neighbor, has spoken of cooperating with the Yunus government for the security and stability of minorities. The US has also expressed hope to take the democratic process forward under Yunus' leadership. However, some x-posts have claimed that Islamic fundamentalists are putting pressure on Yunus' government, but this could not be confirmed.

What will happen next?

Yunus had emphasized on strengthening digital infrastructure and inclusive economic development during his tenure, including a satellite internet agreement with SpaceX's Starlink. But growing tensions between the military, political parties and the public have weakened his position. If Yunus resigns, a power vacuum may once again be created in Bangladesh, which could lead the country into a deeper crisis.

Conclusion

Muhammad Yunus, known as the "banker of the poor", tried to steer Bangladesh towards stability and democracy, but growing tensions between the military and political parties have made his path difficult. The question now is: Will Yunus be able to implement his reforms, or is there another coup brewing in Bangladesh? All eyes are on the situation.