Bangladesh Interim Chief Muhammad Yunus Convenes Emergency Advisory Meeting Amid Political and Military Tensions

 Dhaka, Saturday — Amid intensifying political unrest and mounting tensions with the military, Bangladesh’s interim government head, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, convened an unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council on Saturday to discuss the evolving responsibilities of his administration.

The emergency meeting followed reports that Yunus had offered to resign in the wake of growing pressure from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which recently held mass demonstrations demanding his ouster. Simultaneously, relations with the military have frayed, with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly urging that national elections be held no later than December.

According to an official statement issued by the Advisory Council, the meeting focused on the core mandates of the interim administration — conducting credible elections, initiating structural reforms, and ensuring justice. The council emphasized that it would resist any interference that compromises the independence of the government, the integrity of the judicial process, or the conduct of free and fair elections.

Confronting Disruptions and Demands

The Council voiced serious concern over what it described as “unreasonable demands and unauthorised statements” that have disrupted the interim administration's ability to function effectively. These actions, the statement said, have not only hampered governance but also “sown confusion and doubt in the public mind.”

Calling for broader unity and political responsibility, the Council pledged to engage in dialogue with all political stakeholders and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and national stability. “Despite facing persistent challenges, the interim government remains focused on its constitutional duties, putting aside partisan interests,” the statement read. “However, if these responsibilities become unmanageable due to internal provocation or external pressure, the government will take all necessary decisions in full view of the public and with their support.”

Talks with Opposition and Speculation Over Resignation

The Nobel Peace Laureate is scheduled to hold back-to-back meetings with key opposition groups — including a 7:00 p.m. session with a BNP delegation and an 8:00 p.m. meeting with leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami, according to officials from the Chief Adviser’s press office.

Speculation continues to swirl in Dhaka over whether Dr. Yunus intends to resign. Sources close to the administration have confirmed that Yunus has voiced his frustration with the growing constraints on governance. On Thursday, Nahid Islam, convenor of the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), met with Yunus and later told BBC Bangla that the interim leader had expressed doubts about his ability to function effectively under current conditions.

Islam said he had urged Yunus to reconsider, while members of the interim cabinet have also reportedly pressed him to remain in office to oversee a peaceful transition.

Civil-Military Frictions and the Path Forward

Tensions between the interim government and the military have become increasingly visible. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has publicly criticized the administration for excluding the military from critical policy decisions and warned against unilateral moves, especially those involving international engagement, without a public mandate.

He also rejected a proposed humanitarian aid corridor to Myanmar and reiterated the Army's stance on holding elections by year-end. His remarks have further complicated the political landscape, with questions arising about the interim government’s authority and legitimacy.

Senior BNP leaders, including Abdul Moyeen Khan and Salahuddin Ahmed, have continued to push for early elections, expressing hope that Yunus would guide the country through a stable transition rather than step down. Jamaat-e-Islami echoed this view, stating that only a credible electoral process could restore public trust in the administration.

The political atmosphere further escalated following large-scale demonstrations by BNP supporters demanding immediate elections and the removal of remaining student representatives from the cabinet — an issue that remains contentious within the broader reform agenda.

As the country navigates one of its most delicate transitions in recent years, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the interim administration can maintain stability, restore public confidence, and lead Bangladesh toward a peaceful and democratic future.