New Delhi: Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, teeters on the edge of collapse as the 84-year-old leader threatens to resign, citing an inability to govern due to mounting political discord and a deepening rift with the powerful Bangladesh Army. The announcement, reported by BBC Bangla on May 23, 2025, follows a meeting between Yunus and Nahid Islam, a prominent student leader and head of the National Citizen Party (NCP), who revealed Yunus’s growing frustration with the lack of consensus among political factions. This development comes just months after Yunus assumed power in August 2024, following a student-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amid violent protests that claimed over 1,400 lives. As Bangladesh grapples with political turmoil, the military’s stern warnings and controversial decisions by Yunus have intensified the crisis, raising questions about the country’s path forward.
Deepening Rift with the Army
The primary catalyst for Yunus’s potential resignation appears to be his strained relationship with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman. On May 21, 2025, General Zaman issued what many perceive as an ultimatum during a military durbar at Dhaka’s Senaprangan, demanding that the interim government hold national elections by December 2025. He accused Yunus’s administration of sidelining the military on critical decisions, particularly the proposed “humanitarian corridor” to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which Zaman labeled a “bloody corridor” that could compromise Bangladesh’s sovereignty. Reports indicate that the corridor, allegedly backed by the United States, was intended to deliver aid but raised fears of being exploited for military purposes, a move opposed by the Army, major political parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League, and even leftist groups. The Army Chief also criticized Yunus for interfering in military matters, including the appointment of Lieutenant General Kamrul Hassan as a military adviser, a decision that sparked outrage among top brass after Hassan allegedly sought U.S. support to replace Zaman.
Political Turmoil and Lack of Consensus
Yunus’s leadership has been plagued by political fragmentation, with major parties like the BNP and the newly formed NCP demanding a clear roadmap for elections. The interim government, formed under the “doctrine of necessity” after Hasina’s ouster, lacks constitutional legitimacy, fueling criticism that Yunus is delaying polls to cling to power. Nahid Islam, once an adviser to Yunus, told BBC Bangla that Yunus feels “held hostage” by relentless protests and factional demands, expressing dismay over aspersions cast on his government’s neutrality. The BNP, which held large-scale protests on May 22, 2025, has accused Yunus’s administration of favoring NCP-aligned advisers and called for the resignation of key figures, including National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, a U.S. citizen whose appointment has stirred controversy. Social media reports suggest that student groups and Islamist factions, including Hizb-ut-Tahrir, are planning a “March for Yunus” in Dhaka after Friday prayers, demanding that he remain in power for five years and prioritize reforms over elections, further escalating tensions.
Controversial Decisions Fueling Backlash
Yunus’s tenure has been marred by decisions that have eroded his public support and international reputation. The release of nearly 300 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutineers, convicted for the 2009 massacre of 57 army officers, and approximately 400 convicted Islamist radicals, including Ansarullah Bangla Team chief Jashimuddin Rahmani, has drawn sharp criticism from the military and civil society. These releases, reportedly advocated by groups close to Yunus like Hizb-ut-Tahrir, are blamed for a surge in militant activities, with a 2025 report by the South Asia Democratic Forum noting a 30% increase in extremist incidents since August 2024. Additionally, the interim government’s ban on the Awami League, Hasina’s party, has been criticized as undemocratic, dimming prospects for an inclusive election. The appointment of Mohammad Azaz as Dhaka North City Corporation administrator also sparked protests, with the BNP alleging that Yunus’s administration is fostering a “shadow government” to entrench power.
Autonomy Controversy and Image Crisis
A significant blow to Yunus’s credibility stems from the controversy over Bangladesh’s autonomy, particularly regarding the Rakhine corridor. Critics, including General Zaman, argue that Yunus’s willingness to engage with external powers like the U.S. without military consultation risks compromising national sovereignty. The appointment of Khalilur Rahman, a former diplomat with alleged pro-U.S. leanings, as National Security Adviser has fueled perceptions that Yunus is aligning with Western interests, alienating domestic stakeholders. A January 2025 survey by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies found that 62% of respondents viewed Yunus’s government as “too influenced by foreign powers,” a stark contrast to his global image as a champion of microfinance through the Grameen Bank. This perception has been compounded by allegations of corruption, with X posts in March 2025 highlighting “massive scandals” involving Yunus’s associates, further tarnishing his reputation.
What’s Next for Bangladesh?
If Yunus resigns, the interim government could face dissolution, potentially prompting President Mohammed Shahabuddin to declare a state of emergency and empower the military to oversee elections, as suggested by sources close to General Zaman. Such a move could stabilize the country but risks escalating civil-military tensions, especially if student groups and Islamists take to the streets. Alternatively, Yunus could retract his resignation threat if political parties agree on a reform timeline, though analysts consider this unlikely given the deep divisions. The BNP and other parties are poised to capitalize on the crisis, with the former seen as a frontrunner in potential polls. However, ongoing economic challenges—Bangladesh’s GDP growth slowed to 4.8% in 2024, per the World Bank—and rising militant activities could complicate the transition. The international community, including India, China, and the U.S., is closely monitoring developments, with China reportedly eyeing strategic opportunities amid the chaos.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Yunus’s potential exit underscores the fragility of Bangladesh’s political landscape, nine months after the violent uprising that toppled Hasina. General Zaman’s call for elections reflects the military’s desire to restore democratic governance, but Yunus’s reform agenda, coupled with controversial decisions, has alienated key stakeholders. As Dhaka braces for possible protests and the specter of a military-led transition looms, Bangladesh faces a pivotal moment that could shape its democratic future or plunge it deeper into turmoil.