It seems that all is not well between Bangladesh’s chief adviser of interim government, Muhammad Yunus and Bangladesh Army chief Waker-uz-Zaman. Rift between the two came out in the open after the army chief told Yunus to hold elections, not to intervene in military matters and take the army into confidence over issues like construction of the Myanmar corridor for Rohingyas.
These issues may upset Muhammad Yunus and differences on these issues may witness changes in Bangladesh in days to come.
In Dhaka General Waker said the interim government will have to hold the general elections by the end of December. Bangladesh had a history of coup but, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Waker preferred the interim government.
Waker always insisted on holding elections, stability in the nation and the professional approach of Bangaldesh’s Army. On the other hand, Yunus appears distracted and seems to be looking for ways to delay the polls.
According to a report published in India Today, Expert Subir Bhowmick is of the view that General Zaman wants the return of democracy in the country so people would remember him as a pro-democracy figure rather than a dictator. Yunus accuses Hasina of winning polls through unfair means but wants to remain in power without holding polls.
General Waker-uz-Zaman suspects that Yunus may remove him with the help of international powers. Besides this, Zaman’s stern message to Yunus hinted at their solidarity with other wings of the force like the Air, and Navy. Zaman indirectly made Yunus understand that fringe elements within the nation would not be tolerated.
Zaman also reportedly objected to the Myanmar corridor for Rohingyas, but Yunus wants a corridor that will please the international community, especially the United States. Zaman is of the view that he would not let Bangladesh be a part of Myanmar’s civil war.
The appointment of Khalilur Rahman, considered close to the United States, as National Security Adviser has become a major point of contention between Yunus and Zaman. There were reports suggesting that Zaman might be replaced by Kamrul Hasan. However, Zaman made it clear to Yunus that elections must be held in the country and that he should step down from power.
