Bangladesh appears to be treading the path of Pakistan. Nine months ago, Sheikh Hasina was toppled, and an interim government was formed, with Mohammad Yunus at its helm. However, tensions are escalating between Yunus and the Bangladeshi military. Consequently, Bangladesh stands on the brink of chaos once more. General Waqar-uz-Zaman labeled the Yunus government illegal, leading Yunus to threaten resignation. This raises a crucial question: Will radical Islamic factions seize power?
Meanwhile, there are growing concerns about violent protests rekindling in Dhaka. With over two dozen past coups, the current climate hints that another takeover isn't outside the realm of possibility.
On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh underwent a coup, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, where she still resides. Just nine months later, the interim leader Mohammad Yunus faces a similar predicament. Hasina once remarked that Yunus lacked affection for people. He exploited the poor, offering micro-loans at exorbitant rates and lived lavishly abroad on the proceeds. While ignorance blinded us to Yunus' craftiness, he amassed wealth, kindling a hunger for power that's now consuming Bangladesh. Furthermore, Sheikh Hasina in India maintains her faith: 'I'm alive; Allah will grant me a chance. I'm coming.'
The uncertainty of Hasina's return to Bangladesh looms large. But given the current conditions, Yunus' time as interim leader seems to be waning. With the nation teetering on the brink of instability again, Dhaka could soon emerge as the epicenter of protests. Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has issued a firm warning to Yunus, insisting on elections before December 2025.
The General also warned Yunus to cease interfering in military affairs and keep the army informed about vital issues like the proposed Rakhaine Corridor, given his lack of an electoral mandate. Initially, Yunus crafted a resignation stunt to garner sympathy. Now, he seeks to extend his rule by five years, leveraging student activism. However, Yunus' camp has informed the military that their demand for prompt elections won't be fulfilled.
Bangladesh is no stranger to coups, having experienced over two dozen. Previously, the military utilized student protests to topple Sheikh Hasina. Now, Yunus is employing a similar tactic to cling to power. His supporters plan to host a rally advocating for Yunus' five-year tenure. The rallying cry: 'Let Yunus Lead Five More Years' and 'Reforms First, Elections Later.'
BNP, or the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is vocally demanding elections. The National Citizen Party (NCP) and student leaders aligned with Islamic hardliners are urging public demonstrations. Interestingly, NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh's largest Islamic political party, are united on Yunus' retention.
The speculation is that Yunus' resignation gambit is inciting a military backlash. The army chief is eager to hand the reins to an elected government. However, this is opposed by hardliners like Jamaat and Hefazat-e-Islam, who are deploying Yunus as a pawn to advance their Islamic agenda.
