Bangladesh’s growing PREDICAMENT -AUTHOR – Dr Moonis Ahmar

Bangladesh finds itself in a deepening political quagmire under the interim leadership of Dr Mohammad Yunus, whose regime has triggered controversy by sidelining the Awami League—the very party that led the nation to freedom. With Sheikh Hasina fleeing to India and the Supreme Court allowing Yunus to take over as caretaker Chief Adviser, his tenure has been marked by political repression, failed reforms, and controversial alliances. Despite promises of institutional reforms, the so-called reform commissions fizzled out, casting a shadow over his intent. Adding fuel to the fire, Dr Yunus stirred public resentment by removing symbols of national identity and leaning heavily on Islamist parties and Chinese support, all while neglecting core governance and economic priorities. Meanwhile, BNP, once a beneficiary of Hasina’s ouster, has turned hostile, accusing Yunus of playing for time and manipulating public sentiment through polarizing decisions.

As if the domestic mess weren’t enough, the Army Chief’s neutral stance and call for early elections by December 2025 has further cornered the Yunus regime, signaling a potential military shift away from support. India, watching with hawk eyes, is pressuring Dhaka to abandon its anti-Indian leanings, condemning Yunus’s growing ties with China, his alleged collaboration with Pakistan, and the rise of Islamist forces. Bangladesh now stands at a crossroads, with April 2026 elections announced, yet uncertainty looms large over their transparency and credibility. The road ahead is bumpy, and if Yunus doesn’t recalibrate fast, he may lose both domestic ground and international patience. What unfolds in the next ten months will either be a triumph of democratic will or the descent into deeper instability.

Overview:

This article paints a grim picture of Bangladesh’s current political climate under the unelected and controversial caretaker government led by Dr Mohammad Yunus. It explores the consequences of his undemocratic measures, weak reform efforts, mounting opposition pressure, military discontent, and strained relations with India—all contributing to the country’s growing political crisis. With elections looming in April 2026, the article questions whether true democratic recovery is even possible.

NOTES:

This article provides in depth insight into South Asian regional politics, democratic transitions, civil-military relations, and foreign policy dynamics—particularly relevant to Pakistan due to its own historical parallels. For CSS aspirants, this piece serves as a solid case study for topics like “Politics of South Asia,” “Role of Judiciary and Military in Politics,” and “Foreign Policy of South Asian States.” It looks the influence of major powers like India and China in smaller neighboring states, which is crucial in understanding geopolitical rivalries in International Relations.

Relevant CSS Subjects and Topics:

• International Relations: South Asia’s regional dynamics, Bangladesh-India-China triangle, foreign influence in domestic politics
• Political Science: Authoritarianism vs. democracy, electoral integrity, role of political parties
• Current Affairs: Bangladesh’s domestic turmoil, implications for regional security
• Governance and Public Policy: Institutional reforms, corruption, civil-military relations

Notes for beginners:

This article highlights how an unelected leader can throw a country into turmoil if political legitimacy and public trust are missing. For instance, Dr Yunus, who took over without an election, removed historical references like Mujib’s image and banned the ruling party. Imagine if in Pakistan, the government suddenly erased Quaid-e-Azam’s legacy—how disruptive that would be. The article also shows how foreign countries like India and China try to steer smaller nations for their own gain. For example, India is unhappy with Yunus because he is cozying up to China. These foreign pressures, coupled with internal unrest and military unease, create a perfect storm of instability.

Facts and Figures:

• Sheikh Hasina fled to India after losing power in 2024
• Reform commissions were announced in February 2025
• Army Chief warned of civil collapse in May 2025
• Over 1,400 protestors killed during earlier student unrest
• General elections are scheduled for April 2026

To put it simply, Bangladesh today stands on shaky ground, caught between domestic unrest, military skepticism, and foreign interference. The Yunus regime, despite its promises, has so far failed to win trust or deliver real reform. As April 2026 draws nearer, the big question remains: will these elections pave the way for democratic healing, or push the nation further into chaos? This article reminds us that democracy, once derailed, is hard to steer back—and the world is watching.