Dhaka, 24 May (H.S.): Political activity is intensifying in Bangladesh as speculation mounts around the interim government’s leader, Professor Mohammad Yunus, amidst concerns about his future and the delay in parliamentary elections. Yunus is set to meet today with leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami at the State Guest House Jamuna, amidst increasing political tension. The BNP delegation, led by Khandaker Musharraf Hossain, will meet at 7:30 PM, while Jamaat’s Shafiqur Rahman will meet at 8:30 PM. This surge in political discord follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year and Yunus’s subsequent appointment as chief advisor amid public unrest.
Key issues troubling the political landscape include the postponement of parliamentary elections and a blockade concerning the oath of BNP leader Ishrak Hossain as mayor of Dhaka South. Recent reports indicate Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman discussed the possibility of elections by December. Nahid Islam, a former advisor who left the interim government, met with Yunus on Thursday, leading to more dialogue among current student advisors. The BNP has warned that parliamentary elections must be held by December, prompting Jamaat to call for an all-party meeting. Amidst this turmoil, Yunus’s aide expressed hope for his continued leadership, even as concerns grow about the political climate.
According to Prothom Alo, there is nationwide unrest following reports that Professor Muhammad Yunus, the interim government chief advisor, is considering resigning due to anger and frustration. Despite this, no political party is advocating for his resignation. Instead, they are demanding a clear timeline for parliamentary elections from the interim government. Yunus reportedly discussed his potential resignation after a meeting of the advisory council, which has heightened tensions across the country. His discontent stems from perceived lack of cooperation from various political factions.
On Wednesday, Army Chief General Wakar-Uz-Zaman raised concerns during a speech in Dhaka regarding national security and the necessity of elections by December, provoking fears of a drift towards military governance. This backdrop preceded Yunus’s resignation rumors. The BNP’s role in this situation is also under scrutiny; however, a BNP Standing Committee member clarified that the party does not want Yunus to step down but seeks a definitive election date. They emphasized that if Yunus cannot perform his duties, the nation would seek alternatives. Political insiders suggest growing support for the BNP, with informal conversations among leaders from BNP, the National Citizen Party, and Jamaat-e-Islami indicating a consensus to address the looming crisis.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
