Muhammad Yunus: Strike, Protests Plague Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Blames Chief Adivser of Compromises, Check

Tensions are escalating in Bangladesh as waves of protests and strikes grip the nation, reflecting deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The growing unrest has paralyzed key sectors, including civil administration and the business community, which accuse the government of authoritarian overreach and policy missteps.

Yunus, hailed globally for his work in microfinance and poverty alleviation, now finds himself at the center of domestic criticism. His role as Chief Advisor of the interim administration is being scrutinized for alleged compromises in the democratic process and failure to uphold transparency.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has openly criticized Yunus, accusing him of undermining institutional balance and yielding to elite pressure. In a recent address, she claimed that Yunus's political alignment and behind-the-scenes influence had eroded trust in governance and destabilized the electoral environment.

 Civil Unrest Across Sectors

The discontent has spilled into the streets. Demonstrations in Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major cities have seen participation from students, public sector workers, and small business owners. Transport disruptions, shutdown of marketplaces, and police crackdowns have intensified fears of a prolonged crisis.

Protesters are demanding a return to democratic elections, fair economic reforms, and curbs on interim executive powers. Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized the moment to call for Yunus’s resignation, accusing him of turning the caretaker setup into a political tool.

A Divided Political Landscape

While international voices have cautiously urged restraint and dialogue, the internal political divide continues to widen. Yunus has defended his administration, stating that “national stability is the top priority,” and dismissed allegations of favoritism or compromise.

However, with civil institutions increasingly under pressure and grassroots anger mounting, the road ahead appears rocky for Bangladesh. The political future of Muhammad Yunus — once a symbol of economic innovation — now hangs in the balance amid a storm of protests and mistrust.