Dhaka: Bangladesh stands on the edge of potential military intervention as tensions escalate between the armed forces and interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Reports suggest that Yunus has refused to resign or announce early elections, prompting the country’s powerful military to issue an ultimatum.
Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman has reportedly warned Yunus that national elections must be conducted before December. According to sources, the military has made it clear that after this deadline, it will only acknowledge an elected government, raising the possibility of Yunus being removed by force if he fails to comply.
This stark warning has sparked widespread speculation of an impending military-backed regime change—an event that would mark a significant political shift in Bangladesh’s fragile democratic landscape.
Military Rejects Key Policy Moves
In addition to calling for elections, the army has expressed firm opposition to two major initiatives proposed by Yunus: the establishment of a humanitarian corridor into Myanmar’s conflict-ridden Rakhine State and the appointment of foreign administrators to manage Chattogram (Chittagong) Port. The military has rejected both proposals, viewing them as threats to national sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
These rejections reflect broader dissatisfaction with Yunus’s leadership and his efforts to expand civilian influence over matters traditionally handled by the military.
The Army’s Political Vision
General Waqar reportedly favors holding national elections in December 2025 and is open to the idea of a coalition government. His proposal includes forming a joint administration composed of a breakaway faction from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and members of the former ruling Awami League, led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
This approach aligns closely with BNP’s long-standing demand for timely elections and suggests that the military may play a role in shaping the country’s political future—even if from behind the scenes.
Declining Political Support for Yunus
Facing intense pressure, Yunus has turned to Jamaat-e-Islami for political backing. However, sources indicate that Jamaat has also distanced itself from the interim government, insisting that only an elected administration can legitimately govern the country. This move signals Yunus’s increasing isolation, both politically and institutionally.
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Top intelligence sources claim that General Waqar strongly believes strategic decisions must be made by elected officials, not by unelected figures like Yunus. The Army chief reportedly views the current civilian-led interim administration as a risk to national stability and security, particularly amid perceptions that Yunus is attempting to exploit military institutions for political leverage.
Anger Over Foreign Influence
Tensions reached a boiling point after Yunus allegedly appointed a new National Security Advisor—reportedly someone with strong U.S. ties—while General Waqar was abroad. This decision further strained civil-military relations and intensified the army’s distrust of the current administration’s intentions.
With both the political establishment and military command distancing themselves, Yunus appears increasingly vulnerable. Observers believe that without fresh elections or a power-sharing arrangement, a military-led transition may be imminent.
