Islamic parties also placed their demands on the table. Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Rezaul Karim cautioned that failure to implement necessary reforms would jeopardise hopes for a fair election.
The Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, Prof Muhammad Yunus, has described the country as being in a “war-like situation” following the government’s ban on the Awami League, warning of destabilisation efforts both domestically and abroad that threaten to derail the country’s progress.
Addressing political leaders at state guest house Jamuna on Monday, Yunus spoke of a nation under siege since the May 12 prohibition on Awami League activities. “A war-like situation emerged both inside and outside the country, preventing us from moving forward, causing everything to collapse, and pushing us back into subservience,” Yunus was quoted as saying by his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.
The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.
The talks followed speculation last week that Yunus had considered stepping down, reportedly expressing frustration over recent developments. Over the weekend, leaders from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party met with Yunus separately to discuss the political impasse.
Yunus reiterated that the nationwide uprising in July 2024, which saw the collapse of the former government, had opened a “historic opportunity” to reset Bangladesh’s political future. However, he warned that persistent conspiracies could unravel those gains.
“Since the Awami League’s activities were banned, there have been relentless efforts to destabilise the situation,” he said. “We must protect ourselves from this.”
Mounting Challenges
Despite the mounting challenges, Yunus assured political stakeholders that he remained committed to steering the nation toward elections and reform. “If I fail to hold a fair election, I will feel guilty,” he said, asking the assembled leaders to trust that he would not act against the national interest.
According to Shafiqul, political leaders reaffirmed their support for the interim government’s core priorities: constitutional reform, prosecution of those involved in the July killings, and a credible national election. Yunus confirmed that elections would be held before June 30 next year, a timeline that reportedly satisfied most of the attending parties.
However, the demand for a detailed roadmap to reforms and justice remains a sticking point.
Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, called for popular participation in the reform process, cautioning that the interim government’s limited tenure might constrain its ability to implement substantive change. “The election can take place after making the necessary reforms… unnecessary delays can worsen the already unstable situation,” he warned.
Nationalist voices also raised concerns about foreign interference. Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said Yunus directly blamed Indian hegemony for Bangladesh’s “major crisis” and urged unity against external domination. “The nation doesn’t want Yunus to resign,” Manna said. “We must remain united, setting aside our differences.”
Humanitarian Corridor
Leaders also questioned the government’s recent decisions on sensitive foreign policy issues. Saiful Haque, secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, objected to the proposed humanitarian corridor to Rakhine State and the transfer of Chattogram Port operations to a foreign entity without broad political consultation. “These decisions should not be made unilaterally,” he insisted, noting Yunus had not offered a definitive stance on the issues.
Other leaders echoed calls for a transparent path forward. Mojibur Rahman Monju, chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party, underscored the importance of unity among groups that led the July uprising, while Hasnat Quaiyum, chief coordinator of Rashtro Songskar Andolon, said trials, reforms, and elections must be pursued in parallel, not sequentially.
“Delaying elections in the name of reform will only fuel further instability,” said Hasnat, advocating for strict adherence to the announced electoral timeline.
Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, addressed the growing controversy surrounding two advisers affiliated with the Students Against Discrimination movement. “If they have political plans for the future, their impartiality is compromised. Resignation may be necessary,” he said, urging the interim government to clear the air and release a specific election roadmap to allow parties to prepare accordingly.
Islamic parties also placed their demands on the table. Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Rezaul Karim cautioned that failure to implement necessary reforms would jeopardise hopes for a fair election. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque called for inclusive political dialogue on international issues, while Hefazat-e-Islam Secretary General Sajidur Rahman insisted that no law should contradict the Quran and Sunnah.
As the country braces for the uncertain months ahead, Yunus’ ability to unify disparate political forces while weathering internal dissent and geopolitical pressure may determine whether Bangladesh can emerge from this period of crisis with its democratic transition intact.
