Dhaka: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the country’s largest political forces, has called on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to immediately remove two student advisors from the interim Cabinet, citing concerns over neutrality and fairness.
In addition to this demand, the BNP has also sought the removal of the National Security Adviser from the current administration, according to a senior party leader who addressed the media on Saturday evening.
BNP’s delegation, along with representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP), held separate meetings with Chief Adviser Yunus to voice their concerns. Among the key demands presented by BNP was the immediate announcement of an election roadmap, which the party views as critical for restoring democratic order.
Earlier in the day, Yunus convened a meeting with his Advisory Council—commonly referred to as the interim Cabinet—to review the ongoing political situation and governance issues.
The BNP is specifically calling for the resignation of student advisors Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam, along with National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman, arguing that their presence compromises the neutrality expected from an interim government.
“We have demanded their resignations in a written statement. The impartiality of this government is being undermined due to the security advisor and the two student advisors,” said BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed, speaking to reporters after the meeting with the Chief Adviser.
Amid speculation about Muhammad Yunus stepping down or leaving the country, an unscheduled Advisory Council meeting was held to address the swirling rumors. The government has now categorically dismissed such speculation.
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Yunus, who currently heads Bangladesh’s interim government, has no intention of resigning or departing the country despite ongoing political tensions.
The emergency meeting of the Advisory Council, chaired by Muhammad Yunus and held at the Planning Commission in the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area of Dhaka, focused on the core mandates of the interim administration: overseeing elections, implementing reforms, and ensuring justice.
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In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council said, “The interim government will listen to the statements of political parties in this regard and clarify the government’s position.”
The Council further expressed concern over the growing disruption to the country’s normal working environment. It cited “various unreasonable demands, motivated and extra-judicial statements and programmes” as contributing to public confusion and suspicion during the government’s efforts to fulfill its responsibilities.
