Bangladesh on Edge: Interim Leader Yunus Threatens to Resign Amid Political Crisis

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and head of Bangladesh’s temporary government, has threatened to resign. This comes as political parties are unable to agree on election reforms. Bangladesh is facing political instability, economic problems, and social unrest, and there are growing talks about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina possibly returning to power. She had to leave the government last year after widespread student protests.

Bangladesh on Edge: Interim Leader Yunus Threatens to Resign Amid Political Crisis

The government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh still does not have a fixed date for the next elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently held protests in Dhaka, demanding that an election date be set.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, who is the head of Bangladesh’s interim (temporary) government and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has warned that he might step down from his position. He stated he would resign if political parties cannot agree on reforms needed for the elections. This news comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with political uncertainty, economic problems, and social unrest. Alongside this, there are increasing discussions about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s potential return to power.

It’s important to remember that in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina’s government, which had been in power for 15 years, had to step down following widespread student protests. These protests began with students campaigning against the reservation system in government jobs, which later turned into violent clashes. During these protests, more than 32 people died, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to seek refuge in India. Following these events, the army formed an interim government and appointed Yunus as the Chief Advisor (a position equivalent to a Prime Minister).

Here’s a quick look at the timeline of events leading to Sheikh Hasina’s departure:

• July 1: Students started protesting by blocking roads and railway lines.
• July 16: Violence escalated, leading to 6 deaths.
• July 18: Several buildings, including a government TV station, were set on fire.
• July 21: The Supreme Court declared the quota system illegal.
• August 5: Protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s residence, and Sheikh Hasina left the country.

Yunus Government Now Facing Challenges Too

Now, almost a year later, Yunus’s government is also facing a lack of cooperation, pressure, and protests. Nahid Islam, a leader from the National Citizen Party (NCP), said, “Sir looked troubled and disappointed. He said that if he doesn’t get political support, he won’t be able to do his work.” Islam also added, “People protested not just to change the government, but to change the whole system. There’s no point in holding elections without reforms.”

Is Bangladesh Heading Towards Another Crisis?

Yunus’s government still hasn’t announced a definite election date. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently organized protests in Dhaka, demanding that an election date be fixed. Yunus had announced major reforms earlier, but he hasn’t been able to implement them due to a lack of agreement among political parties.

Editor’s Note: This article is an adaptation of a news report from Live Hindustan, rephrased for a general audience in India. All original facts and figures have been maintained.