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The Print
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Yunus' ‘reforms first, elections later' plan has no takers in Bangladesh. It's time to choose
Frankly, the ban on Awami League signals deep political instability in Bangladesh. And, given recent developments, the major worry is whether the interim government would survive at all. While Yunus' reforms are still underway, his ban on the Awami League may be the most significant and consequential victory for Opposition parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, which lost their voices under Sheikh Hasina's rule. Many now see the ban as a dead-end for Awami League — Bangladesh's founding party that led the struggle for its independence under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But wasn't the same assumed about BNP in 2013? Soon after the rise of a so-called 'second republic' in 2024, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government. His agenda was clear: deliver justice to the people affected by Sheikh Hasina's 'dictatorial governance', revamp the public administration, strengthen the anti-corruption apparatus, and hold free and fair elections. Who will seize the opportunity? The BNP is carrying out nationwide protests, demanding immediate reforms so that general elections can be held. The party is clearly running out of patience as a full ban on the Awami League leaves it with a greater opportunity to be elected after a long gap. The BNP is also demanding the sacking of key members of the Interim Advisory Council—National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam—over objectionable remarks and suspected partisan leanings. Rahman, for one, sparked controversy by suggesting that if his long residency in the United States makes him a 'foreign citizen,' then BNP's exiled leader Tarique Rahman, residing in the United Kingdom, could be labelled the same. The comparison triggered BNP, which called Khalilur's remarks 'detrimental to the permanent security of democracy' and demanded his immediate removal. Additionally, Bhuiyan and Alam, key figures in the July 2024 student protests, have been accused of aligning with the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), and acting as partisan agents within the interim government rather than as neutrals. This has fuelled strong opposition against the current administration—marking, perhaps, the most unsettling development for Muhammad Yunus, who was supposed to have the support of political parties in ensuring justice and reforms. The introduction of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has created a third challenge for Yunus. The ordinance allows dismissal of public servants if found guilty of administrative disruptions – within 14 days and without any internal proceedings by the concerned department. Public employees are protesting against it, threatening stern escalation if it's not replaced. Employees in several administrative departments could go on strike, causing a halt in governance. Apart from election drama, controversial advisers, and the new ordinance, there is a fourth challenge for Yunus: Bangladesh Army. It's concerning how army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman asked the Chief Adviser to 'ensure' elections by December 2025. While the army doesn't seem interested in repeating history by staging a coup, the force of Zaman's pressure might unsettle Yunus's political aspirations, if any. With BNP doubling down on him and the army forcing an election deadline that might destabilise his administration, Yunus has reportedly threatened to resign. While his office has issued no official communiqué, the number of meetings that have been held with the representatives of different political parties certainly points to internal division. The Advisory Council also held an unscheduled meeting on 24 May, where it discussed 'how unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements, and disruptive programmes have been continuously obstructing the normal functioning environment, and creating confusion and suspicion among the public'. It further warned that 'if the government's autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable, it will, with the people, take the necessary steps.' Also read: Bangladesh Army Chief wants elections. Muhammad Yunus wants to get rid of him Options ahead Muhammad Yunus may have taken his role seriously, but his reforms-and-then-elections goal doesn't align with the ambitions of political parties that were unable contest in the 2018 and 2024 general elections. Their sole expectation from his government was a ban on the Awami League, which is a done deal now. The newly formed NCP, led by student leaders of the July movement, is also vying for space in the political landscape, though it sees the reconstitution of the election commission as necessary. As challenges mount, Yunus may be left with little choice but to ensure that the reform process and scope remain reasonable. If this pressure doesn't cease, he will have to strike a compromise between his aspirations and political demands. If at all there is consensus among parties on broad reforms that could result in elections, it would reflect strong political pressure to move ahead—rather than a commitment to reasonable reforms that would transform the nation for the better. Rishi Gupta is a commentator on global affairs. Views are personal. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
Mint
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Yunus-led Bangladesh govt deploys paramilitary forces, SWAT as service law protests enter 4th day
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, deployed paramilitary forces including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the police's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, and the elite anti-crime Raid Action Battalion (RAB) at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday. This move came as protests by Bangladesh government employees against a controversial new service law entered their fourth consecutive day, severely disrupting administrative functions at the central government hub. The demonstrations began after the Bangladesh President Mohammed Sahabuddin promulgated the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which allows the government to dismiss employees for four types of disciplinary breaches through a show-cause notice, bypassing formal departmental proceedings. Bangladesh government employees have labelled the ordinance an 'unlawful black law' and demanded its immediate repeal. Protesters chanted slogans such as 'Abolish the unlawful black law' and 'No compromise, only struggle,' vowing to continue their movement until the law is withdrawn. In response to the protests, authorities imposed a strict security lockdown. The BGB, SWAT, and RAB were stationed at all entrances of the Secretariat complex, barring journalists and visitors from entering. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) banned rallies and gatherings in and around the Secretariat, while visitor access was restricted by the Home Ministry. The unrest comes amid growing tensions between the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh and the military, which has urged for elections by December. Bangladesh Army officials have reiterated their commitment to national sovereignty but expressed reservations over certain government policies, including a proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar's rebel-held Rakhine state. Dhaka has witnessed a surge in violent crime recently, with murder cases nearly tripling compared to last year. The deteriorating law and order situation has intensified calls from political and economic analysts for a democratically elected government. The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) urged the interim administration to announce a firm date for national elections, noting that the government has already been in office for nine months.
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First Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Yunus called Sheikh Hasina 'autocratic', now Bangladesh is calling him that
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who branded Sheikh Hasina's government as the 'world's worst autocratic,' is now facing similar accusations himself, amid growing concern over his combative and unilateral style of rule read more Bangladesh's former PM Sheikh Hasina has mounted a fresh attack on Muhammad Yunus and termed him a 'militant leader'. File image/AFP Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who last year used his Victory Day speech to target ousted Sheikh Hasina and labelled her administration as the 'world's worst autocratic government', now finds himself facing similar accusations from across the country, with growing concerns over his increasingly combative and unilateral style of governance. 'Because of our faults we could not give completeness to our achievements and of late a monstrous autocratic government had grabbed the country which virtually promised that it will not allow anything to remain which could benefit the country,' said Yunus referring to ousted Sheikh Hasina-led government what he described as the the 'world's worst autocratic government' in the Victory Day speech. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once seen as a champion of democratic ideals, Yunus is now being viewed by many as replicating the same authoritarian tactics he once condemned, marked by a series of unpopular decisions and confrontational policies. His administration's crackdown on government employees, open defiance of court orders, hardline approach towards the business community, and growing tensions with the military over election delays have drawn sharp criticism. Yunus going after govt employees Protests have erupted nationwide over a controversial new public service law championed by Yunus's administration. The legislation, which allows for the swift dismissal of government employees for misconduct, has drawn sharp criticism from civil service unions. They have labelled the ordinance as 'repressive' and a 'black law', and argue that the new provisions infringe upon their constitutional rights. The protesting employees have vowed to continue their protests until the ordinance is repealed. On Tuesday, the fourth straight day of the protest, government employees crippled administrative functions at the heart of Dhaka, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. In response to mounting protests, the government began talks with protesting employees. On May 27, 2025, officials met with leaders of various staff associations at the Secretariat to discuss their demands and seek a resolution. The protest was called off at the secretariat earlier today after the government assured them it would review the contentious law, reported Daily Sun. As elite SWAT units and Border Guards maintain a heavy presence outside the Secretariat, growing protests are now seen as more than just resistance to a controversial civil service law— they signal a deepening rebellion against the authority of Muhammad Yunus's interim government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What initially appeared to be a bureaucratic dispute is rapidly evolving into a broader flashpoint, adding fuel to a national crisis marked by political instability, widespread public discontent, and mounting questions over the legitimacy of an unelected regime. The Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 amends the Public Service Act of 2018, introducing provisions that classify four types of conduct by government employees as misconduct, allowing for their dismissal without formal departmental proceedings. The government has stated that these amendments aim to streamline disciplinary actions and reduce bureaucratic delays. Meanwhile, thousands of teachers in government primary schools have also begun an indefinite leave from work, demanding a wage hike. Yunus defying court orders In a parallel crisis, the Dhaka South City Corporation remains paralysed due to a standoff involving the mayoral seat. Civil servants have gone on strike, demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be installed as mayor following a court order. Although the Election Commission did not challenge the decision, Yunus's interim government has defied the ruling and appealed to the High Court, seeking to block Hossain's swearing-in and preserve the role for its own appointed administrator. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On May 22, the Bangladesh High Court summarily rejected a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission's (EC) decision to declare Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The dispute stems from a March 27 ruling by Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Judge Md Nurul Islam, who overturned the 2020 DSCC election results, declared Ishraque the rightful winner, and directed the EC to issue a gazette within ten days. The EC complied on April 27. On May 14, DSCC resident Mamunur Rashid submitted the writ petition to the HC challenging the legality of the tribunal's verdict and EC's gazette notification. He argued that the ruling was rushed and did not follow due legal process. In the petition, Rashid said the EC did not wait for the law ministry's opinion before issuing the gazette notification declaring Ishraque as DSCC's mayor, adding that since the mayoral term had already expired and the position was vacated through an ordinance, the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to declare Ishraque elected as DSCC mayor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Business community up in arms Yunus has also come under fire from Bangladesh's business community. In an extraordinary press conference held on Sunday, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI), along with other industry groups, condemned what they described as a deteriorating business climate. Prominent business leader Showkat Aziz Russell likened the targeting of entrepreneurs to the killings of intellectuals during the 1971 Liberation War, warning that economic instability could spark a famine-like crisis as layoffs rise and consumer confidence plummets. 'We don't know how we will pay bonuses and salaries to workers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha,' The Telegraph quoted Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textiles Mills Association, as saying 'You are inviting foreigners to invest in the country… (but) foreigners know that investment in Bangladesh is not viable. They know Vietnam is more profitable than Bangladesh,' he added. Growing discord between Yunus and military leadership Tensions between Bangladesh's interim government and the military leadership have spilled into the open, with growing concerns over delayed elections and controversial security-related policy decisions, particularly a proposed humanitarian corridor into Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports suggest mounting discord as the armed forces question both the timeline for restoring democratic rule and the implications of certain foreign policy moves. In a significant development, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with the Navy and Air Force chiefs, met Yunus last week to press for elections by December. Their message was clear: the military wants a swift return to elected government and has expressed reservations about the proposed Myanmar corridor initiative. Meanwhile, the following day, General Zaman convened a meeting with senior officers at Dhaka Cantonment, where he reportedly said that he was unaware of several strategic decisions taken by the government, despite the military's key role in national affairs. According to The Daily Star, during a 30-minute address and a subsequent hour-long Q&A, the army chief said, 'Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers.' The military has also decided to crack down on increasing incidents of mob justice, reflecting a broader concern over law and order during the interim regime's tenure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As speculation over a civil-military rift grew, the Bangladesh Army issued a clarification on Monday. Brigadier General M Nazim-ud-Daula, the Army's operations director, said the military was not in conflict with the interim administration but remained resolute in its constitutional role. 'We (the government and army) are working to help each other. There is no scope to misinterpret it," he told reporters. However, Daula made it clear that the military would remain firm on matters of national interest. 'There would be no compromise when it comes to the country's independence, security and sovereignty," he said, adding, 'The issue involving the corridor is highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first.' The military leadership has also reportedly raised concerns about key decisions made without electoral legitimacy, including the potential foreign management of the Chattogram Port and the approval of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service — moves they fear could compromise national security. These developments come amid rising discontent across various sectors, including the civil service and business community, over the Yunus-led interim government's policies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yunus now faces growing criticism for what many see as an increasingly unilateral and authoritarian approach, fueling political uncertainty and deepening national unease. With inputs from agencies
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First Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Bangladesh crisis deepens: Yunus govt deploys SWAT, BGB to control protesting secretariat staff
At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, members of the specialist SWAT unit were seen stationed at the main entrance of the Secretariat. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were also deployed outside read more Civil officials protest inside the Secretariat building in Dhaka on May 25, 2025, demanding the repeal of a government order giving it greater power to sack employees for disciplinary breaches. AFP Government employees protested for a fourth consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the repeal of the Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which has halted administrative functions at the Bangladesh Secretariat and barred outsider entry. Issued by the President and gazetted on Sunday evening, the ordinance empowers the government to terminate employees for four categories of disciplinary violations through a show-cause notice, without initiating formal departmental proceedings. At around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, members of the specialist SWAT unit were seen stationed at the main entrance of the Secretariat. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were also deployed outside. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The protest began around 11:00 a.m. outside Building No. 6 in the Secretariat's Badamtoli sector, amid heightened security at all gates. Stringent security measures remain in place, with government employees continuing their demonstrations against the newly enacted ordinance, which was gazetted shortly after staff voiced opposition and four days after the advisory council approved its draft. Only Secretariat officials and staff are being permitted entry. The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier announced on Monday that visitors would not be allowed into the premises today.
