Democracy remains a distant dream as Yunus drives Bangladesh deeper into chaos

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2 days ago

It is not too late for Bangladesh to reboot its fragile democracy. But if it doesn't act swiftly, the country may well head the way of Pakistan—into deeper chaos and prolonged military rule read more
Bangladesh stands at a crossroads as protests against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government intensify. Image: AP
The interim government in Bangladesh, headed by 84-year-old Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is facing its gravest crisis since assuming power on August 8, 2024. Yunus is besieged on all sides—by civil servants, teachers, political parties, and increasingly, the military. Amidst the current political turmoil, a fundamental question looms—one that has haunted Bangladesh since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975:
Will the promised general elections be held soon, restoring the country's fragile democracy, or is Bangladesh on the verge of yet another prolonged period of military dominance—if not outright martial law?
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Let's explore the turbulent history of Bangladesh—its legacy of student protests and frequent coups (successful or not), that explains the events that brought Muhammad Yunus to power, examines the ongoing crisis, and offers a glimpse into the uncertain future unfolding in India's neighborhood.
The Defining Feature: Student Protests
From the Language Movement (Bhasha Andolan) in 1952, to the War of Independence in 1971, to the recent uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, 2024, violent student protests have repeatedly defined Bangladesh's political landscape.
The agitation that forced Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving Prime Minister, to resign and flee to India aboard a Bangladesh Air Force C-1301 military transport began in July 2024. Initially centered around the issue of government job quotas for families of freedom fighters (widely seen as benefiting those with connections to Hasina's party), it quickly escalated into a nationwide, broad-based protest with a single-point demand: her resignation.
Hasina and her party, the Awami League, blamed the opposition—namely the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami—for orchestrating the movement.
Yunus Comes Centre Stage
How did an apolitical figure like Muhammad Yunus come to lead Bangladesh? The answer lies with the powerful 'Student Uprising Central Committee', whose demands left the military with no alternative. Committee spokesperson Nahid Islam stated emphatically:
'Any government other than the one we recommended would not be accepted. We won't betray the bloodshed by the martyrs for our cause. We will create a new democratic Bangladesh through our promise of security of life, social justice, and a new political landscape.'
Faced with these demands, the military acquiesced. Yunus, in turn, eagerly assumed the role of interim leader.
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In Doldrums
As of May 2025, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads. The economy is on the brink. Government employees are protesting against a new ordinance that allows dismissals without due process. Teachers are picketing instead of teaching. The political parties, particularly the BNP, are demanding early elections. Meanwhile, the reports suggest a 'cold war' between the military and Yunus.
Instability
Internally, the Yunus government is rapidly losing control. Externally, the conflict in neighboring Myanmar is spilling over into Bangladesh, exacerbating border instability. The Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar have become targets for recruitment by Burmese armed groups. Cross-border violence and drug smuggling are on the rise, stretching Bangladesh's security apparatus to its limits.
Things are as bad as they can get.
Promises Made, Promises Unkept
When Yunus assumed power with much fanfare nine months ago, he promised sweeping reforms and free, fair elections. Neither has materialised. Instead, he has banned the Awami League, preventing it from participating in future elections.
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Whipping Anti-India Sentiments
Cornered and increasingly frustrated by his failure to deliver reforms, Yunus resorted to a familiar strategy on May 25: whipping up anti-India sentiment. Through Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of the Nagorik Oikya party, Yunus pushed the narrative that Bangladesh faces a 'major crisis due to Indian hegemony', aiming to distract from his government's incompetence.
On the Street
Nine months have passed since the Bangladesh Army stepped in to maintain order following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina's government. Their deployment was necessitated by the breakdown of civil law enforcement, including a nationwide police strike that left stations deserted and public order in chaos.
But now, military patience is wearing thin.
The General Speaks
On May 21, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly urged Yunus to hold national elections by December 2025 so a democratically elected government can take office by January 1, 2026.
'The army is meant for defending the nation, not for policing… We must return to barracks after elections,' he said.
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He further warned that prolonged deployment for civil duties threatens national defense preparedness. Meanwhile, Yunus, who holds the title 'Chief Adviser,' continues making controversial decisions—including on foreign policy—drawing open criticism from the military.
Restive Generals
The military's frustration isn't limited to election delays. General Waker strongly opposes several of the interim government's foreign policy moves. Chief among them is a proposed 'humanitarian corridor,' which Waker derided as a 'blood corridor':
'There will be no corridor. The sovereignty of Bangladesh is not negotiable.'
He warned that such moves could entangle Bangladesh in proxy conflicts, stressing that only an elected government can make such decisions.
Other controversial issues include the potential foreign management of Chattogram Port and the proposed launch of Elon Musk's Starlink service—both flagged as national security risks by the military.
Speculation is rife that Yunus may have attempted to remove Waker, prompting the general's defiant stance. His public focus on constitutional processes and national sovereignty reflects deepening discontent within the military.
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If tensions escalate, a military takeover is not unthinkable—Bangladesh has a precedent for it.
Political Slugfest
Despite growing pressure, Yunus has yet to announce even a tentative election date, continuing to insist: 'reforms first, elections later'.
This has infuriated not only the military but also political parties. The BNP has issued an ultimatum: unless elections are held by December, it will withdraw support for the interim government. On May 28, the BNP and its affiliates—Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and Swechchhasebak Dal—held a massive rally demanding early elections.
Speaking via video from London, BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman said:
'Excuses are already being made regarding the national elections. Even after 10 months, the interim government has not announced an election date.'
But the situation is more complex. While the military and BNP push for elections this year, the National Citizen Party (NCP)—formed by former student leaders—is in no rush. They insist that elections must follow sweeping reforms and the prosecution of former Awami League leaders for last year's crackdown on protests.
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What Does Yunus Want?
The answer depends on who you ask. Some say Yunus wants General Waker removed. Others believe he aims to prolong his unelected rule—or even ascend to the presidency. Some speculate he plans to quit, though his cabinet suggests otherwise.
Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud stated that Yunus, the chief advisor, is not stepping down. Yunus himself said last week,
'We are not going anywhere till our job is done.'
His press secretary echoed the sentiment on May 25, saying,
'We are in a war-like situation.'
Though, Yunus has himself announced that the elections will be held sometime between December 2025 to June 2026.
Conclusion: A Tipping Point
As Bangladesh teeters on the edge of anarchy, India must remain watchful. It is not too late for Bangladesh to reboot its fragile democracy. But if it doesn't act swiftly, the country may well head the way of Pakistan—into deeper chaos and prolonged military rule.
The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
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