Dhaka: Muhammad Yunus has said he is staying in his role as interim leader of Bangladesh despite rumours of conflicts with the military. This comes after a week of tumultuous political events and widespread protests. Advisors say Yunus is committed to leading the country through its transition.
Pressure from several political groups and the army grew for Yunus after he became Chief Adviser in August 2024. This was following the student-led removal of Sheikh Hasina. Reports over the past week said Yunus might resign because he is at odds with General Waker-Uz-Zaman over the timing of national elections and creating a humanitarian zone for Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Still, after talks between Yunus’s team and council on May 24, 2025, his team explained that he was not considering resigning.
According to Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, Yunus showed remarkable dedication. He added to the local media that the people have entrusted us with specific responsibilities, and I understand that we must fulfill them. The meeting was held because of growing disagreements, particularly worries from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami about a clear 2025 election timeline. General Zaman urged the interim government to move quickly to hold elections in the last quarter of the year. Yunus aimed to implement democracy reforms before elections, which he aimed to have in 2026.
The UN’s plans to use a Rakhine corridor for aid have led to controversy in Myanmar. Gen. Zaman called the idea a “bloody corridor” that threatened the country’s independence, so Yunus’s administration changed course. National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman said that the talks remained informal, as there was no official agreement, and the purpose was to help civilians near the border.
Some have accused Yunus of postponing elections to increase his power in office. On Wednesday, thousands of BNP supporters demonstrated in Dhaka, asking for a set election date. Jamaat-e-Islami members were critical of the government’s plan to create a commission for women. His advisers say Yunus is still determined to push for change to maintain fairness in the election process.
Bangladesh has struggled with tough economic times and political turmoil since Hasina resigned, so an interim government is essential. Yunus helped start microcredit through Grameen Bank and has now urged political parties to unite in support of his reform plans. The Awami League chief is set to meet with leaders from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami today to discuss their issues and reach an understanding.
Yunus’ advisers, Mahfuj Alam, and Asif Mahmud, have said that he is sticking to his commitments to Bangladesh. This is in the face of continuing tensions with the military. The army, which has once again expressed its support for democracy and prompt elections, played a significant role in leading last year’s uprising. How well Yunus manages military, political, and public goals will determine Bangladesh’s future.