Staff Reporter:
Amid growing uncertainty, political tension continues to grip the country as speculation mounts over Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s possible resignation.
Reports suggest he is frustrated with the ongoing crisis, although he has not confirmed any final decision.
Political leaders and analysts believe that the announcement of a clear electoral roadmap could help resolve the current impasse.
Following reports on Friday night about Prof Yunus’s potential resignation, political parties held urgent meetings to dissuade him from stepping down and to explore alternatives should he eventually resign.
Experts allege that both national and international conspiracies are fuelling unrest.
Noted political analyst and economist Professor Mahbub Ullah pointed to the influence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing in India after fleeing the country, accusing her of engineering instability to exploit the situation.
Diplomatic sources said the international community is observing the situation closely, particularly the chief adviser’s next steps and their implications. Concerns over investment prospects have grown, with foreign stakeholders reportedly alarmed by the lack of political stability and electoral clarity.
Though Prof Yunus reportedly discussed his resignation during an advisory council meeting and in private discussions, sources say he has currently backtracked and is working to find a resolution to the political stalemate.
“The current situation is extremely unfortunate and poses a threat to democracy,” Prof Mahbub Ullah told the Daily Sun.
He warned that if a suitable replacement for Prof Yunus cannot be found, the country could face a repeat of the 1/11 crisis.
“Disunity among the political groups that led the July-August mass uprising has weakened their position,” he added, again alleging that Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing interference is contributing to the turmoil. “BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is now the senior-most political figure and acceptable to both the army chief and the chief adviser. Her engagement could help resolve the crisis.”
In this tense backdrop, most political parties are now demanding the immediate announcement of an election roadmap to restore public confidence.
Several political leaders told the Daily Sun that although Prof Yunus appears sincere about a democratic transition, he is being misled by certain advisers and external actors.
They also alleged that efforts are underway to fracture the alliance that led the mass uprising, in a bid to manufacture another 1/11-type emergency.
BNP Standing Committee Member Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku said, “The interim government must declare a specific roadmap—when the elections will be held and what reforms will be made. People are confused and in the dark. The government must act to restore peace and stability.”
He further demanded the resignation of controversial members of the interim government’s advisory council to help break the deadlock.
Professor Sabbir Ahmed of Dhaka University’s political science department echoed the need for dialogue, saying, “The chief adviser must sit down with top political leaders and announce a specific electoral roadmap. Without BNP’s participation, the situation will only worsen.”
BNP’s position
Sources said that amid growing chaos over several recent issues, the BNP sought a meeting with the chief adviser but failed to secure an appointment. Subsequently, the party held an urgent press conference on Thursday to clarify its position. The interim government is now facing mounting pressure.
In this context, various political parties and civil society members blamed the National Citizen Party (NCP), certain influential individuals within the government, and some advisers for sowing disunity among the parties that led the July-August mass uprising.
Amid this backdrop, there are reports of a move within the government to form a national government comprising representatives from different political parties, organisations and individuals, to be headed by Prof Yunus.
However, BNP has shown little interest in this initiative, insisting instead on a downsized advisory council tasked solely with overseeing the upcoming national election.
BNP’s Salahuddin Ahmed, in a televised interview, said, “Dr Yunus’s resignation is a personal matter. We never demanded it. If he is unable to carry out his duties, the state will find an alternative.”
At a workers’ meeting in Haluaghat, Mymensingh, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince said, “People are not asking for Dr Yunus’s resignation. They want the removal of failed, biased and self-serving advisers. The advisory council must be restructured.”
Jamaat-e-Islami
Jamaat-e-Islami is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting of its Majlish-e-Shura today at the party’s central office in Moghbazar to assess the political situation. On Thursday night, the party urged the chief adviser to call an all-party dialogue.
NCP
NCP Convener Nahid Islam accused Delhi of trying to destabilise Bangladesh following the Awami League’s ban.
“There are attempts to obstruct democratic transformation and create another 1/11-like scenario,” he wrote on his verified Facebook page.
He called for unity among patriotic citizens and urged the army to defend the country’s sovereignty.
“Dr Yunus must fulfil his promises for reforms, justice and voting rights. Elections must be held on schedule and the July Declaration implemented,” he added.
Sarjis Alam, NCP convener for the northern region, said the genocide trial roadmap must accompany the national election announcement.
Sarjis criticised BNP’s lone focus on an election roadmap, saying it disappointed the families of martyrs and wounded warriors.
He referred to Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed’s remark that announcing the roadmap is the only solution to the current crisis.
Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party)
At a press conference, AB Party Chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju demanded the resignation of advisers responsible for national disunity.
“Dr Yunus must be spared from political pressure. If he resigns, a leadership vacuum will emerge. All parties must seek a compromise through dialogue,” he said.
Gono Odhikar Parishad
General Secretary Md Rashed Khan, speaking at a protest in Purana Paltan, opposed Prof Yunus’s resignation, saying he must fulfil his mandate.
He demanded the immediate removal of advisers Asif Mahmud, Mahfuj Alam, and Mohammad Azaz, the Dhaka North City Corporation administrator.
He urged the announcement of an election schedule by September, elections by December, and the commencement of genocide trials and necessary state reforms beforehand.
Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Andolan Bangladesh
Hefazat-e-Islam’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Mamunul Haque, addressing a Friday rally, warned of ongoing conspiracies and called for unity based on the spirit of July.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, in a meeting with party leaders, stressed that all factions that fought against fascism must now act responsibly. A Thursday night meeting brought together five parties, including Gono Odhikar Parishad, Khelafat Majlish, NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami (virtually).
Other political parties
Rashtra Sangskar Andolan on Friday called for urgent political dialogue to forge national consensus.
At a two-day meeting, Revolutionary Workers’ Party General Secretary Saiful Huq said the government must remove controversial advisers and reverse damaging policy decisions, including leasing Chittagong Port to a foreign company.
On Friday evening, the July Manch organised a procession at Dhaka University demanding restructuring of the interim government’s advisory council and forming a national government.
