Bangladesh is currently witnessing a surge of political unrest, with thousands of people taking to the streets across the country in large-scale protests against the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. What once was a figure celebrated globally for pioneering microfinance and winning the Nobel Peace Prize is now at the center of a growing public outcry. From Dhaka to other major cities, protesters from all walks of life—government employees, teachers, students, and ordinary citizens—have united under opposition banners demanding change.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus: From Nobel Laureate to Controversial Leader
For years, Dr. Yunus was revered as a visionary who empowered millions of impoverished women through his groundbreaking “Grameen Bank” model and his “Eradicate Poverty” mission. His name was synonymous with hope and innovation in Bangladesh. However, the tide has shifted dramatically. Many now view him not as a savior but as a leader whose policies and governance style have sparked widespread dissatisfaction.
Central to the growing resentment is Yunus’s decision to postpone national elections multiple times, a move that critics say undermines democracy and keeps his government in power longer than constitutionally permitted. This has triggered anger not only among opposition parties but also among ordinary citizens who feel robbed of their democratic rights.
Election Delays Fuel Political Crisis
The interim government, which took charge in August 2024, was constitutionally mandated to hold general elections within 90 days. Instead, the election timeline has been extended repeatedly, now pushed back to as late as June 2026. This extension has been vehemently opposed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), other opposition factions, and even the army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, all demanding immediate elections.
Protests against the delay have been intense. Recently, thousands gathered in Dhaka, blocking major roads and paralyzing daily life with chants like “End Fascism Now.” These demonstrations reflect a deep frustration with what many see as a government intent on clinging to power rather than fulfilling its constitutional obligations.
Student Movements and the July Uprising
Beyond political parties, student groups who spearheaded the July uprising have also thrown their weight behind the protests. Their demands include proper rehabilitation for injured students and official recognition of the movement’s activists. These protests symbolize the growing disenchantment among the youth, who view Yunus’s government as unresponsive and authoritarian.
Operation Devil Hunt: Crackdown and Human Rights Violations
In February 2025, the government launched “Operation Devil Hunt,” a sweeping campaign targeting supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leaders. More than 11,000 people, including former ministers and student leaders, have been detained without due process. Human rights organizations have condemned the operation as political repression designed to silence dissent and weaken opposition forces.
Government Employees and Teachers Strike Back
Yunus’s introduction of a controversial ordinance allowing dismissal of government employees within 14 days without due procedure has ignited anger among public sector workers and educators. Large-scale strikes and protests have ensued, forcing heavy security deployments in Dhaka. This ordinance is widely seen as draconian and an attempt to intimidate government staff into compliance.
Economic Woes Deepen Public Anger
The economic situation under Yunus’s leadership has further aggravated public discontent. Inflation has soared beyond 9%, foreign exchange reserves have dwindled, and foreign investment has plummeted by 71%. Additionally, tax reforms meant to stabilize the economy have instead increased the burden on ordinary citizens, making everyday life more difficult.
Bangladesh’s vital ready-made garment industry—the backbone of its export economy—is struggling due to these economic strains. Rising costs and supply chain disruptions have led to job losses and reduced production, intensifying the hardships faced by millions.
Accusations of Abuse of Power and Conflict of Interest
Critics accuse Yunus of exploiting his position to benefit institutions linked to him. Moves such as establishing a rural university, granting digital wallet service licenses to rural telecom, and reducing government stakes in Grameen Bank from 25% to 10% have raised eyebrows. Moreover, legal cases against Yunus and his associates have reportedly been dropped without proper judicial proceedings, fueling allegations of nepotism and power abuse.
Failure to Protect Minorities
Between August and December 2024, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported over 2,000 incidents of communal violence resulting in 23 deaths. The government faces sharp criticism for failing to prevent these incidents or provide adequate protection to minority communities, contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity among vulnerable groups.
Press Freedom Under Threat
Journalists have borne the brunt of Yunus’s crackdown. Over 350 journalists have reportedly been harassed, 74 have faced violence, and 167 have had their press credentials revoked. Such actions have led to serious concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Strained Relations with India
Yunus’s government has repeatedly accused India of destabilizing Bangladesh. India has denied these claims, calling them attempts to deflect attention from internal issues. However, the deterioration in bilateral ties has had tangible effects. Imports of essential goods and raw materials from India have been disrupted, causing shortages and affecting the production capabilities of Bangladesh’s crucial industries.
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