Bangladesh in Crisis: Army Chief Warns of Political Infighting and Foreign Policy Turmoil

Bangladesh is facing a period of escalating political turmoil and instability. In a rare and significant move, the country’s Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman has publicly criticized the nation’s political leadership, warning that continued infighting could jeopardize Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.

"If you cannot set aside your differences and work together—if you continue engaging in mudslinging and internal disputes—the stability of this country will be at risk," the General cautioned. His remarks highlight a growing concern within the military over the deteriorating law and order situation, which he attributes to political discord. This internal division, he argues, creates opportunities for external actors to exploit Bangladesh’s vulnerabilities.

Mounting Frustration Within the Military

General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s remarks also underscore a broader frustration within the armed forces, particularly regarding the administration of interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Reports suggest the military has been losing patience with Yunus for two primary reasons:

Delay in Elections: The refusal to commit to a timeline for national elections has been a major point of contention. Eventually, it was the Army Chief himself who set a deadline, stating that elections must be held before the end of 2025.

Desire to Return to the Barracks: The military leadership, recognizing that military rule is largely unpopular in Bangladesh, has expressed a desire to remain out of politics. However, the ongoing chaos has made this increasingly difficult. Public unrest, destruction of property, and the government’s apparent inaction have forced the military into an uncomfortable and highly visible role.

While General Waker-Uz-Zaman did not directly target Yunus in his speech, his criticisms were unmistakable. The question now is whether Yunus will acknowledge the gravity of the situation or dismiss the military’s concerns.

Foreign Policy Strains with India

The instability in Bangladesh extends beyond domestic affairs. Tensions with India have been escalating, with Dhaka frequently placing blame on New Delhi for various challenges. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently addressed these frictions, calling for clarity on Bangladesh’s stance toward India.

Dhaka, in response, has stated its desire for strong working relations with New Delhi. However, its actions paint a different picture. Allegations of minority persecution, the desecration of symbols from the 1971 Liberation War, and diplomatic engagements with Pakistani officials have raised concerns in India. Further complicating matters, Bangladesh recently signed a direct trade agreement with Pakistan—the first since 1971—to purchase 50,000 tonnes of white rice. The deal is notably unfavorable, with Bangladesh paying a higher rate than it previously paid Vietnam.

A Critical Juncture for Bangladesh

India has made repeated attempts to engage constructively with the Bangladeshi government, but political instability and strained diplomatic relations threaten progress. Even the Army Chief’s warnings suggest that Bangladesh’s leadership must reassess its priorities. The path forward requires political unity, economic pragmatism, and a clear foreign policy direction. The choices made in the coming months will be crucial in determining Bangladesh’s future stability and global standing.