Latest news with #MuhammadYunus
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Will Yunus go too far with the India bashing?
Will Yunus go too far with the India bashing? Swapan Dasgupta TNN Updated: May 31, 2025, 20:52 IST IST Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim leader, faces criticism for overstaying his welcome and pursuing personal agendas despite lacking popular support. He's in a power struggle with the army and BNP over election timelines, aiming for a 'reset' of Bangladesh, potentially involving controversial economic reforms and foreign policy initiatives. If there is one thing the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim administration has clearly shown since the resignation drama of May 24, it is that he is no pushover. In the nine months at the helm, Nobel Prize winner and NGO icon Muhammad Yunus has slipped from being the man the country welcomed as a potential saviour to being regarded as a crafty, divisive figure with a bagful of personal agendas. Yet, lacking a political base of consequence and despite a steep fall in popularity, Yunus has pitted diverse groups against each other and clung on to power — although at a huge cost to Bangladesh. The latest political crisis to envelop Bangladesh centres on the timetable of the national election that will install a democratic government in Dhaka. In a paradoxical twist, the army has advocated elections by the end of 2025, a demand strongly endorsed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), now led from London by Begum Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman. On his part, Yunus has said he wants until end-June 2026 to first bring about unspecified reforms, and also bring the arrested leaders of the Hasina regime to justice. Activists of the National Citizen Party — derisively called the King's Party — have even suggested that Yunus should be in office for the next five years.
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First Post
14 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Democracy remains a distant dream as Yunus drives Bangladesh deeper into chaos
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? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sabroom ICP awaits biz between India & B'desh
Agartala: The economic and trade relationships in Bangladesh have deteriorated under Muhammad Yunus's leadership, affecting not only India but also dampening prospects across Southeast Asia. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The border communities, particularly villagers engaged in supplementary trade, have faced difficulties for nearly a year due to Yunus's passive approach. The collaborative development initiatives between India and Bangladesh aim to stimulate employment, enhance tourism and foster regional economic growth through improved connectivity. However, the Agartala-Akhaura railway initiative, with Indian funding for strengthening bilateral trade, stands virtually discontinued. India has established a modern Landport (Integrated Check Post) connecting Sabroom in South Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties and enhancing regional connectivity. According to experts from GPM Architects & Planners, the Sabroom ICP delivers comprehensive border management amenities, offering efficient and secure services for regular border-crossing passengers and cargo operators. The Landport (ICP) aims to reduce traffic congestion through specific vehicle lanes while maintaining thorough border surveillance. The facility encompasses warehousing, storage and quarantine areas to facilitate logistics operations. "Sabroom ICP enhances access for the northeastern states to the Chittagong Port, bolstering bilateral trade and opening up direct access to global shipping routes — thereby accelerating regional economic growth," the experts underlined and added that spanning 50 acres, the site is characterised by dense vegetation and undulating topography. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Agartala: The economic and trade relationships in Bangladesh have deteriorated under Muhammad Yunus's leadership, affecting not only India but also dampening prospects across Southeast Asia. The border communities, particularly villagers engaged in supplementary trade, have faced difficulties for nearly a year due to Yunus's passive approach. The collaborative development initiatives between India and Bangladesh aim to stimulate employment, enhance tourism and foster regional economic growth through improved connectivity. However, the Agartala-Akhaura railway initiative, with Indian funding for strengthening bilateral trade, stands virtually discontinued. India has established a modern Landport (Integrated Check Post) connecting Sabroom in South Tripura to Ramgarh in Bangladesh, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties and enhancing regional connectivity. According to experts from GPM Architects & Planners, the Sabroom ICP delivers comprehensive border management amenities, offering efficient and secure services for regular border-crossing passengers and cargo operators. The Landport (ICP) aims to reduce traffic congestion through specific vehicle lanes while maintaining thorough border surveillance. The facility encompasses warehousing, storage and quarantine areas to facilitate logistics operations. "Sabroom ICP enhances access for the northeastern states to the Chittagong Port, bolstering bilateral trade and opening up direct access to global shipping routes — thereby accelerating regional economic growth," the experts underlined and added that spanning 50 acres, the site is characterised by dense vegetation and undulating topography.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan's Watami to open training centre in Bangladesh
Watami, a restaurant group based in Japan, has announced plans to open a training centre in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, as reported by Nikkei Asia. The centre will train locals in farming, customer service, factory skills and food service, to send 3,000 individuals annually to Japan on specified skilled worker visas. The Japan Training Center, set to launch in October 2025, will be situated at the facilities of a Bangladeshi government agency. 1500 people will initially undergo a two-month training programme in skills such as customer service and factory work. Watami will leverage personnel from a Japanese language school operated by a group company to assist in the training. The development comes after Japan expanded its entry visa in 2023 to cover 11 industries, including the food service sector. The expansion allows foreign workers to engage in more complex roles such as store operations and management. Watami chairman and president Miki Watanabe stated: "Securing human resources is an obstacle to growth in the restaurant business. Being able to develop human resources in-house will be a strength." Established in 2020, Watami Agent, the human resources development unit of Watami, had welcomed 900 foreign workers by the end of March 2025. This included technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers, with 400 introduced to 107 companies. Japan is looking to recruit up to 100,000 workers from Bangladesh by 2030 to mitigate its labour shortage. Bangladesh's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus from the Bangladesh Seminar on Human Resources emphasised the interim government's commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan. "Japan's Watami to open training centre in Bangladesh" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Will the future of Asia be one of conflict or cooperation?
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the world stands on the precipice of a 'once-in-a-century turning point in history'. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG News analysis Will the future of Asia be one of conflict or cooperation? – The 21st century is meant to be the 'Asian century', but will the world's largest continent live up to its brimming potential, or will it be derailed by conflict? This was the biggest question weighing on the minds of politicians, business leaders and academics who convened in Tokyo for the Future Of Asia conference, held by Japanese media conglomerate Nikkei Inc on May 29-30. Many attendees sounded the clarion call for solidarity and unity, saying that only by entrenching cooperation can the world overcome its many fissures. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, citing wars, pandemics and financial turmoil, said the world stands on the precipice of a 'once-in-a-century turning point in history'. 'When we look at each of the events that are happening, it is hard not to feel the similarities between today and 100 years ago,' he said. 'A stable international order is no longer a given.' That is an ominous message for a flagship forum – of which The Straits Times is a media partner – that is celebrating its milestone 30th year. Is the future of Asia doomed? Plenty of positivity was dished up over two days of speeches which were, however, lacking in substantive suggestions for action. What was of note, however, were some young participants who gave a glimpse of what the future might hold with their innovative ideas and their optimism. First up was Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who said: 'Asia, home to more than half of humanity, sits at the epicentre of uncertainty. It is also at the centre of possibility at the same time.' Although he warned that 'cooperation is not always guaranteed', he pointed to the region's 'formidable collective strength'. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet described Asia as 'relatively peaceful, stable and prosperous, at least for the moment', even as a Cambodian soldier was killed in gunfire with the Thai military during a brief clash on May 28 on a disputed stretch of the border between Cambodia and Thailand. Mr Jin Liqun, head of China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, insisted: 'Asia can maintain its growth regardless of what's happening in the rest of the world.' Yet it is impossible to ignore the undercurrents of uncertainty and tumult as the world experiences whiplash from United States President Donald Trump's unpredictable policies. The restrictions on international students enrolling in US universities is an affront to the role that education plays in innovation and in fostering the exchange of ideas across continents and political divides. The effective abolition of the US Agency for International Development, which provides aid to about 130 countries and regions, inflicts more suffering on the impoverished people in these areas. The US pullout from the Paris Agreement on climate change ignores climate risks that threaten countries worldwide, particularly those in vulnerable regions such as South Asia and Africa. What has been most disruptive, however, are Mr Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs imposed on more than 100 of America's trading partners and ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent. On pause for 90 days from April 9 while negotiations take place, they form an assault on the rules-based multilateral trading order. Former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, speaking at the forum, pointedly said that Mr Trump has effectively made 'the whole world the enemy'. It became clear that weaker economies are lower down the pecking order for tariff negotiations – major economies such as the European Union, China and Japan are in the midst of negotiation – when Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith told the conference that Vientiane has reached out for talks but not yet received any response. Laos was hit with a 48 per cent rate. 'Protectionism disrupts the global equilibrium and heightens tension, therefore leading to an increasing risk of armed conflict,' Mr Thongloun said. Speakers including Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said that a possible antidote to such inward-looking tendencies of the US is to entrench existing partnerships and forge new alliances. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa added that a 'renewed commitment to cooperation' was necessary as the Indo-Pacific becomes a theatre for intensifying US-China rivalry. 'The old saying, 'unity is strength', is now more crucial than ever,' he said. 'While we do not seek confrontation, we must protect our interests in a world shaped by the competition of giants.' It goes without saying, however, that national interests vary from country to country. This can be seen in the vastly different positions adopted by different countries in the unfolding conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. How, then, will countries respond in the event of an accidental conflict in contested waters, as Chinese and Philippine military activities intensify around shoals in the South China Sea over which the two sides have overlapping claims? Or if China invades Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province to be reunified by force if necessary? To stave off conflict, Mr Ishiba said Japan's position is to continue communicating with China at all levels to build a relationship 'based on true trust (and) common strategic interests for a constructive and stable relationship'. He also emphasised the need for 'an enduring US commitment to the region at a time of growing Chinese economic and security influence'. While Mr Ishiba's remarks sound contradictory, they point to the delicate diplomatic tightrope Japan needs to tread, given that it has close economic ties with China but is wary of its giant neighbour in security terms due to their historical tensions and Beijing's growing military power. But his remarks leave open the question whether China will engage with Japan on the same terms. For Mr Hun Manet, the solution is clear: 'New tensions are rising in many traditional flash points, so our leaders need to stay united in purpose, strategic in vision and steadfast in collective actions.' Heavy geopolitics aside, there were some bright sparks at the forum in the form of a young generation of start-up leaders who were invited to discuss social innovation and the prospects for Asian growth. Among them was Singapore's Mr Kee Cheng Heng, 29, of HelloHolo that uses virtual reality to support language learning. While most start-ups do not take off, he credited Singapore with having built an environment where failure is a learning journey and 'a badge that you can wear proudly'. Fellow start-up founder Shunsuke Inoue, 25, of data optimisation company Japan Process Mining Technology, agreed that the tide seems to be turning in Japan which traditionally does not take too kindly to failure. He said: 'I don't think one failure means that you never get another chance.' The future of Asia, clearly, will lie in its youth and their never-say-die perseverance. The 84-year-old Dr Yunus summed it up best: 'The future of Asia is not just about economics or geopolitics. It's about people, it's about ideas. It's about the young people wanting to create a new world different from the one they were born in.' He added: 'Let us be guided not by fear, but by possibilities. Not by power, but by purpose. Let us have the courage to imagine a better world.' Walter Sim is Japan correspondent at The Straits Times. Based in Tokyo, he writes about political, economic and socio-cultural issues. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
