Is It Game Over For Hardliner Muhammed Yunus? Army Chief Issues Ultimatum, What's the Road Ahead for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh is witnessing a significant political standoff as Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman delivers a stern ultimatum to interim government leader Muhammed Yunus. The tension centers around two critical issues: the proposed "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar's Rakhine state and the delay in national elections.

Is It Game Over for Hardliner Muhammed Yunus? 

General Zaman has vehemently opposed the establishment of the corridor, labeling it a "bloody corridor" and expressing concerns that it could entangle Bangladesh in Myanmar's internal conflicts and serve foreign interests, particularly those of the United States .

Army Chief has demanded that national elections be held by December 2025

Furthermore, the Army Chief has demanded that national elections be held by December 2025, emphasizing that only an elected government should determine the country's future. He criticized the interim administration for making significant decisions without consulting the armed forces, thereby undermining the nation's sovereignty .

The internal dynamics within the military are also under scrutiny. Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman, the Quartermaster General, is reportedly aligned with Yunus and is perceived to have pro-Islamist and pro-Pakistan sentiments, raising concerns about foreign influence within the army's ranks.

This escalating rift between the military leadership and the interim government poses a significant challenge to Bangladesh's political stability. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the country can navigate these tensions and uphold its democratic processes. 

A House Divided: Army Factions and Islamist Links

Adding fuel to the fire is the internal friction within the military itself. Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman, the current Quartermaster General, is reportedly siding with Yunus. What concerns many in Dhaka is Rahman’s perceived pro-Islamist and pro-Pakistan leanings.

Such ideological rifts within the highest levels of the army could pose serious risks, including external manipulation. These revelations, according to Firstpost, have prompted behind-the-scenes investigations into whether foreign embassies or intelligence agencies have exerted influence over top-level appointments.