Today marks Bangladesh's 55th Independence Day, celebrated amidst a backdrop of significant instability and turmoil. Since the coup that ousted Sheikh Hasina on August 5 last year, tensions have escalated to new heights between the newly empowered Muhammad Yunus and the military forces. There are widespread speculations of a military coup, as Yunus embarks on a strategic visit to China today.
In light of Independence Day, Muhammad Yunus plans to address the nation at 7 PM. However, the military remains visibly dissatisfied with Yunus, frequently advocating for prompt elections to allow soldiers to return to their barracks. This has fueled rumors of a coup against Yunus's administration. Nonetheless, the Bangladeshi government has vehemently denied these coup speculations.
On the eve of Independence Day, Yunus addressed the nation, emphasizing that misinformation is being continuously spread to destabilize the country. Innovative methods are employed to propagate these rumors.
Yunus remarked that as elections draw near, the dissemination of misinformation will intensify through various channels. It's clear who is behind these actions and their intentions. We have appealed to the United Nations for intervention, and the Secretary-General has pledged assistance in combating this misinformation epidemic.
Muhammad Yunus embarks on a pivotal four-day visit to China. Following the coup against Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's allegiance has rapidly shifted from India to China.
During this visit, he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen bilateral ties. Yunus will first participate in the Boao Forum for Asia. China has already proclaimed that Beijing and Bangladesh remain time-honored friends and strategic allies. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, described this as one of the most significant visits by a Bangladeshi leader to China in 50 years. Yunus is set to have a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping on March 28.
Political upheaval in recent days has prompted speculations about imminent transformative events. Meanwhile, the military has entered a heightened state of alert, evidenced by an emergency meeting among high-ranking military officials amidst escalating political tensions on Monday.
Prior reports hinted at a potential coup in Bangladesh, with the army potentially ousting Muhammad Yunus to seize power.
Since the coup in Bangladesh, the military has maintained a firm grasp on control, pressing for quick elections to facilitate their withdrawal to barracks. These strategic maneuvers could lead to the downfall of Yunus's administration.
Various reports indicate that the Bangladeshi army may take decisive actions against Muhammad Yunus's interim government. The deployment of Bangladeshi troops in Dhaka has fueled coup rumors, with reports stating that the 9th Division battalions stationed in Savar are amassing and gradually entering the capital.
After the coup on August 5 last year, Muhammad Yunus was appointed head of the interim government for a few months, with the promise of elections soon. However, eight months later, the absence of elections has incited student protests. Students continuously demonstrate their outrage against Muhammad Yunus's government.
August 5, 2022:
Sheikh Hasina is deposed in a coup, Muhammad Yunus takes interim leadership.
March 28, 2023:
Scheduled meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Xi Jinping in China.
