Bangladesh appears to be on the brink of a significant political upheaval as speculation grows about a possible military takeover to remove interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.
Sources suggest that the country's army, led by Waker-Uz-Zaman, convened an emergency meeting on Monday, hinting at potential major developments in the days to come.
The meeting reportedly saw the attendance of top military officials, including five Lieutenant Generals, eight Major Generals, and senior commanders from independent brigades and the army headquarters.
The agenda of the discussions focused on the military's possible role in stabilising the nation, which has been grappling with increasing unrest and mistrust since Yunus assumed power last year.
Muhammad Yunus took over as the head of the interim government following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League administration in August of the previous year.
However, his leadership has faced criticism from various segments of society, with many expressing a lack of confidence in the current regime. The growing dissatisfaction has reportedly prompted the military to consider asserting its control to restore order.
Sources indicate that the army may pressure the President to declare a state of emergency or even stage a coup against Yunus. There is also speculation about the possibility of forming a national unity government under military oversight.
This scenario is being considered as a means to regain stability and address the concerns of citizens who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the present administration.
The situation has been further aggravated by recent protests and demonstrations led by political parties and student groups critical of the army's influence.
These protests have reportedly unsettled some within the military, sparking discussions about measures to control dissent. Joint security forces have increased their presence across Dhaka, setting up checkpoints and intensifying patrols to manage the rising tensions.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Yunus is expected to visit China soon. Observers believe this visit could impact Bangladesh's relations with China, further influencing the political dynamics in the country.
Neighbouring nations are closely monitoring the visit, given the potential implications of a shift in Bangladesh's foreign policy stance.
The unrest has also extended to the online space, with a social media campaign against the military gaining traction. France-based Bangladeshi influencer Pinaki Bhattacharya has reportedly urged extremists and students to protest against the Chief of Army Staff, accusing him of being influenced by India.
These accusations have added fuel to the already volatile atmosphere, intensifying the rift between the military and sections of the public.
Amid these escalating tensions, a student-led political party has alleged that the military plans to bring back Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League to power — a claim strongly denied by the army.
The accusations have only deepened the uncertainty and mistrust within the country, as citizens and political observers await the next move from the military and the interim government.
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