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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bangladesh: Political parties reject Muhammad Yunus's extended time frame, demand election by December
DHAKA: At least 20 political parties, including former PM Khaleda Zia's BNP, Monday rejected Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus 's extended time frame for conducting national election, demanding it be held by Dec. Sources, however, said three political parties, including the radical Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP launched by Nahid Islam who led the anti-Sheikh Hasina movement last year, are reportedly supporting Yunus's time frame of holding the poll between Dec 2025 and June 2026. "There is not a single valid reason to push the national election after Dec and BNP expects a 'neutral role' from Muhammad Yunus in taking a final decision," BNP member Salahuddin Ahmed said after the National Consensus Commission dialogue with Yunus. This was the second round of talks between political parties and the Yunus-headed interim govt on the election - pending since last year following the fall of the Hasina-led govt. In Monday's meeting, all but three political parties have demanded elections by Dec, Gono Odhikar Parishad chief Nurul Haque Nur said. Yunus expressed optimism about finalising a broadly accepted 'July Charter' - an agreement built through collective understanding among parties after the ouster of the Hasina govt. Salahuddin hoped Yunus will consider Dec for conducting the election. He also argued the commission has already taken significant time and election before year-end remains feasible. "Full consensus may not be support reforms that benefit the nation and ensure inclusion of all," he added.
News18
27-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Satellites, Ports & Power: China, US Want The Bay, Bangladesh May Be The Price
Last Updated: At stake is not only Dhaka's internal political balance but also south-east Asia's regional dominance, with India watching closely from across the border. With Elon Musk's Starlink quietly going live over Bangladesh, it was not seen just as an effort to have fast internet. Rather, it was indicative of the flicker of a larger geopolitical alignment than before. Meanwhile, foreign eyes turned sharply to Lalmonirhat airbase, around 170 km from India's chicken neck corridor in Siliguri and Chittagong Port, Bangladesh's maritime gateway. There are also whispers of a proposed Rakhine Corridor starting to echo in geo-political policy circles. These moves though – part technology, part geopolitical strategy – signal something deeper. Bangladesh is slowly becoming the new frontier of a simmering cold war. At stake is not only Dhaka's internal political balance but also south-east Asia's regional dominance, with India watching closely from across the border. Power Games Heat Up Over Bangladesh advetisement The interplay of multiple international interests over certain strategic locations and assets with domestic upheaval have created a charged environment in Bangladesh. At the heart of the domestic storm is the interim government's tenure and the proposed July Charter – a political-administrative manifesto on which the political parties, primarily BNP, seek a referendum and plan for elections. These demands, seemingly democratic, have now evolved into a flashpoint for political confrontation. In addition, the proposed Rakhine corridor through Bangladesh has created a standoff-like situation between the interim government and the army. About the highly sensitive and volatile situation between the country's army and the interim government, a retired Bangladeshi diplomat told News18, 'We all are waiting to see who blinks first – the Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman or the Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus. It is now a battle of nerves. Anyone who knows Yunus would vouch for the fact that he would never resign on his own if not forced. Will the army force him to do so? There lies the uncertainty." China Ties: Old Habit, New Stakes The diplomat also added that there are two massive international forces in the play – America and China. All regimes in Bangladesh including Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina maintained a strategic alliance with China. However, Sheikh Hasina started realigning and re-thinking her positioning with America. 'But Yunus's international posturing has opened strategic doors for both these nations. Both China and America want control over the Bay of Bengal, which is a strategic location. China's naval delegation visited Chittagong port in October. On June 1, China and Bangladesh will hold a joint trade conference, which is also happening for the first time. There is a lot to read in between," added the retired diplomat while speaking with News18 over the phone from Dhaka. Advertisement Meanwhile, the military continues to exert its firm control over the country. In a press briefing on Monday, the spokesperson of Bangladesh army stated that since August, the army has seized around 10,000 arms and around 3,00,000 rounds of ammunition. This seems to be a huge statement on the army's assertiveness in the country. Satellite, Ports and Corridors The geostrategic stakes are rising at sea as the Chittagong Port, the economic lifeline of Bangladesh, is now drawing foreign suitors. Rumours of potential partnerships with Chinese firms or operators raise concerns about long-term strategic control over the strategic points. Given China's pattern of leveraging infrastructure for influence, New Delhi sees this as a potential pivot point in the Indo-Pacific balance. top videos View All Meanwhile, the Rakhine Corridor, which is still in its conceptual stages, is no less controversial. The army general, however, in his last address to the commanders, rubbished such an idea stating that the army will never allow the interim government to take any decision that may 'compromise the country's sovereignty'. For India, the proposed corridor may risk the emergence of a China-dominated supply chain within its strategic backyard. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : 360 degree view bangladesh elon musk Starlink Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 27, 2025, 10:58 IST News world 360 Degree View | Satellites, Ports & Power: China, US Want The Bay, Bangladesh May Be The Price
