 "Tensions escalate between interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman")
There are concerns regarding a fresh political crisis in Bangladesh as tensions between interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman have surfaced. According to reports, frictions have emerged between the two sides over elections, military interference, and controversial decisions of the interim government.
“No bloody corridor”
The army chief has made it clear that there will be no “bloody corridor” with Myanmar, referring to the proposed “humanitarian corridor” on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, arguing it might have adverse implications for Bangladesh’s sovereignty.
The interim government had earlier pitched the idea for a safe passage to reach Myanmar’s Rakhine State. However, Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser (NSA) later clarified the government had never discussed the issue.
The government earlier indicated that it was in touch with the UN on channelling aid (food and medicines) to Myanmar due to the humanitarian crisis there.
‘Govt keeping armed forces in dark’
The army chief also expressed concerns over some decisions taken by the interim government while keeping the armed forces in the dark.
While addressing a meeting of all officials in Dhaka, the army chief held the Yunus-led interim responsible for “keeping the armed forces in the dark while taking key decisions”.
‘Hold elections by December’
During the assembly, the army chief also made it clear to the government that “elections must be held by December” and that only an “elected government” should determine the country’s course and not an administration that was not answerable to the people.
General Waker-Uz-Zaman further added that the army won’t tolerate “mob violence or lawlessness” prevailing across Bangladesh over the past several months.
After the Yunus-led interim government took power in August 2024, the breakdown in law and order in Bangladesh allowed troublemakers and supporters of certain political parties to engage in criminal acts like intimidation and killings. This chaos followed the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with the police force in disarray and the army stepping in to maintain order.
A senior military officer, whose name was not revealed, reportedly responded to General Waker-uz-Zaman’s speech, stressing that the legacy of the 1971 liberation war and the national pride tied to it were “non-negotiable” and must not be compromised.