Dhaka — In a dramatic escalation of Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil, highly placed sources indicate that Nobel laureate and current Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus may be on the verge of arrest, as tensions with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman reach a breaking point.
Military-Civilian Tensions at an All-Time High
The friction between the interim civilian government and the military leadership has intensified in recent weeks. Yunus’s controversial decision to release nearly 300 convicted mutineers — responsible for the brutal 2009 massacre of 57 army officers and 16 civilians — has deeply angered the military establishment. This move is being viewed not only as politically reckless but also as a betrayal of justice.
Foreign Interference Sparks Outrage in the Army
Adding fuel to the fire, Yunus’s military adviser, General Kamrul Hassan, recently met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson. The meeting is being seen by the Army as an attempt by foreign powers — specifically the United States — to influence domestic leadership, possibly to sideline General Zaman. The military views this as an attack on Bangladesh’s sovereignty, echoing earlier concerns raised by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over St. Martin’s Island.
Army Chief’s Warnings Prove Prophetic
General Waker-Uz-Zaman, appointed Army Chief on June 23, 2024, had previously raised alarm about foreign influence in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. His rise to power came just days before a student-led uprising that led to Hasina’s resignation and Yunus’s appointment. At the time, Zaman had overridden Indian intelligence warnings against his appointment — warnings that cited health issues and his perceived pro-Pakistan leanings.
Despite the controversy, Hasina trusted her instincts and chose Zaman, possibly influenced by family ties — Zaman’s wife, Sarahnaz Kamalika Rahman, is the granddaughter of former Army Chief Mustafizur Rahman and a distant relative of Hasina herself.
Resignation or Arrest? A Decision Looms
Reports from The Daily Star suggest that Yunus expressed his desire to resign during a recent advisory council meeting, citing growing frustrations. Nahid Islam, National Citizen Party Convener and Yunus’s likely successor, told BBC Bangla that the Chief Adviser is seriously weighing the decision.
However, resignation may not be his only option. If the military finds credible evidence of Yunus colluding with foreign actors or compromising national interests, arrest may soon follow. Zaman, sources say, is no longer just frustrated — he is determined to restore what he sees as slipping sovereignty.
Protests and Public Anger Further Destabilize Government
Meanwhile, nationwide demonstrations continue over multiple demands, including calls to ban the Awami League. Public sentiment remains volatile. Zaman, seen as a strong nationalist voice, may leverage this discontent to rally support for a tougher stance against Yunus.
A Nation on the Brink of Another Transition
To say Zaman is planning a coup may still be premature — but to say he wants Yunus out is no longer speculation. As Bangladesh teeters on the edge of another political turning point, all eyes are now on Dhaka. Will Yunus resign under pressure, flee the country like his predecessor, or be arrested?
Read More: CPEC Crosses a Dangerous New Line—and India Is Not Having It
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on The Ink Post. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Explainers.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to Stay updated!
