With Awami League Banned, All Eyes On Bangladesh Army Chief's Address Amid Rising Political Tensions
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Sources indicate that regional stability, including the growing threat of Islamist militancy, might also be on the agenda as Bangladesh Army Chief speaks on Tuesday.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Bangladesh interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, officially banned the Awami League on May 10, 2025. As the country reels from the shock announcement, sources have told News18 that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman is scheduled to address senior officers during a 'Durbar" at 9:30 am (Bangladesh time) on Tuesday – an address that is expected to be closely watched both nationally and internationally.
The significance of the Army Chief's speech is heightened by a high-level diplomatic meeting held on Monday, where three Dhaka-based US diplomats, led by Chargé d'Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson, met with General Zaman.
While the focus of Bangladesh Army Chief's address to officers might be on 'humanitarian corridor" along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, sources indicate that regional stability, including the growing threat of Islamist militancy, might also be on the agenda.
General Zaman's stance on internal security is already a matter of public record. During a meeting on March 23 with a senior official from the Yunus-led interim authority, he reportedly expressed frustration over what he described as the chief advisor's 'non-serious" and 'casual" approach to the rising threat of Islamist militancy in the country. Observers believe this issue may feature prominently in Tuesday's address.
Meanwhile, the fallout from the Awami League ban continues to escalate. According to sources, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected the ban outright. In a virtual meeting with supporters, she reportedly termed the ban 'unconstitutional" and declared that the party would not accept it. The move effectively bars the Awami League from participating in upcoming elections – an outcome the party appears determined to challenge.
Political analysts believe the nature and direction of this 'aggression" will be closely monitored in the coming days. However, sources confirm that the Awami League intends to fight back, both politically and legally, and remains committed to contesting future elections.
As the situation in Bangladesh grows increasingly volatile, the international community is watching closely. With a banned ruling party, a rising security threat, and a powerful military preparing to speak, the next few days could be decisive in shaping the country's political trajectory.
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May 20, 2025, 08:29 IST
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