It is not clear if his reference to “war-like circumstances” had the blessings of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Nevertheless, there has been no denial nor reaction from the Bangladeshi government or anyone in power in Bangladesh to the statement.

Md Mahfuj Alam, the Information and Broadcasting Advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, has issued a warning about the nation’s current state, describing it as “war-like circumstances” imposed by external forces. In a Facebook post early Tuesday, Alam called for national unity to resist these pressures, highlighting the challenges facing the country in the aftermath of last year’s mass uprising.

“The government is fighting a war against the powerful domestic and foreign alliance that was defeated in the Mass Uprising,” Alam stated. He emphasised the need for solidarity, cautioning against internal conflicts among the army, political parties, and various factions involved in the uprising. “We have to remember that the country is now in war-like circumstances, and this war has been imposed on us from elsewhere,” he added.

Known for his loud-mouthing and raising the anti-India bogey, Mahfuj Alam utilised his verified Facebook account to address the nation’s pressing challenges at approximately 3:00 AM on Tuesday. He emphasised the government’s ongoing struggle against a formidable alliance of domestic and foreign entities that were previously subdued during the ‘Mass Uprising’. Alam expressed concerns over attempts to disrupt national unity.

Alam had the task of outlining several measures taken by the interim government that were discussed in a recent review meeting led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The issues include combating violence against women and children, taking a firm stance against banned organisations, and improving law and order. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to arrest criminals and expedite fair trials.

It is not clear if his reference to “war-like circumstances” had the blessings of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Nevertheless, there has been no denial nor reaction from the Bangladeshi government or anyone in power in Bangladesh to the statement. The government has not reacted for over 12 hours since Alam used his Facebook account to rant against India.

Anti-India Sentiments

Alam referred to the government’s difficulties due to opposition from various sectors, including the bureaucracy, business class, and media. He expressed concern that these pressures are diverting attention from essential reforms, such as state restructuring and addressing past injustices. “Prescriptions for a change of government are coming quickly from abroad,” he noted, justifying his statement regarding the external pressures facing the interim administration.

Alam’s recent statements are consistent with his history of expressing anti-India sentiments. In December 2024, he shared a controversial Facebook post depicting the Indian states of Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal as part of Bangladesh, advocating for “a new geography and system.” He had claimed that cultures in Northeast India and Bangladesh have been suppressed by “Hindu extremists” and an “anti-Bengal attitude” of upper-caste Hindus. This post drew sharp criticism from Indian officials, who viewed it as a direct threat to India’s sovereignty.

The Indian government had then lodged a formal protest with Bangladesh over Alam’s post, emphasising the need for responsible public commentary. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, “We have registered our strong protest on this issue with the Bangladesh side… We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments.”

Alam has also urged India to acknowledge the legitimacy of the July-August 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He criticised India’s portrayal of the uprising as militant and Islamist, arguing that such a stance harms bilateral relations. He has said, “Bypassing the July uprising, the foundation of new Bangladesh will be detrimental to the relationship of both countries.”

Domestically, however, Alam has been vocal about enforcing law and order. He warned against “mob justice,” stating that the government would adopt stern measures against such actions. “A decision has been made to bring to book whoever gets involved with ‘mob justice,” he declared during a media briefing.

Economic Challenges

The inflation rate in Bangladesh has been high due to a combination of policy and institutional failure, say economists. As of February 2025, Bangladesh’s inflation rate was 9.32 per cent, which is near a two-year low. This is a decline from 9.94 per cent in January 2025. 

The inflation rate in January 2025 eased slightly, primarily due to a drop in food inflation. But the non-food inflation rate had shown a slight increase in January 2025. 

The inflation rate in rural areas in January 2025 was 10.18 per cent and the inflation rate in urban areas in January 2025 was 9.89 per cent.

But, officials say, the trend of rising prices has been arrested since then.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s food inflation had surged to 12.66 per cent in October 2024, up from 10.40 per cent in September, which drove overall inflation to 10.87 per cent, according to data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Considering the very high level of food inflation, the interim government of Bangladesh and its central bank had announced new measures including relaxing import and lending rules for commodity importers on Thursday.

Economists are of the view that inflation in Bangladesh is not solely demand-driven and instead, structural issues like inefficient market systems and supply constraints also play critical roles.

Internal Challenges

The interim government is also grappling with economic challenges, including legal disputes with prominent business figures. Mohammed Saiful Alam, chairman of the S Alam Group, has threatened international legal action against Bangladesh, alleging that the government unjustly froze his assets and hindered his businesses following Sheikh Hasina’s removal. He claims these actions violate a 2004 investment treaty between Bangladesh and Singapore, as he and his family acquired Singaporean citizenship between 2021 and 2023.

Central bank governor Ahsan Mansur has accused Saiful Alam and other tycoons of siphoning off $17 billion from Bangladeshi banks during Hasina’s regime, allegedly with assistance from the country’s military intelligence agency. These accusations have intensified the economic turmoil and added to the interim government’s challenges.

The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, faces the daunting task of restoring democracy and stabilising the nation. Yunus, whose disdain for the previous government of Sheikh Hasina is no secret, has pledged to prosecute those involved in past injustices and to empty secret detention centres.

However, the law and order situation remains precarious, with rising crime rates and increasing Islamist influence. Yunus has promised free elections by March 2026, but international relationships are strained, particularly with India, complicating efforts to attract foreign investment.

In light of these challenges, Alam has called for a pragmatic foreign policy to strengthen Bangladesh’s global position. He emphasised the importance of establishing “pragmatic relationships” with all countries to navigate the complex international landscape.

Senior officials say that Md Mahfuj Alam’s recent warnings of “war-like circumstances” and the government’s apparent endorsement of the same underscore a helplessness in handling domestic governance. The shifting of attention to India-baiting is a crafted communication strategy to blame its shortcomings on external powers, they say.

The present government, they say, is being tested on its ability to implement reforms, maintain law and order, and manage international relations that will be pivotal in shaping Bangladesh’s future.