Rising Political Tensions Between Bangladesh Interim Chief Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman

Bangladesh is facing a deepening political crisis as sharp tensions escalate between interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman. Once allies during the transitional period following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the two leaders are now divided over key issues including the timing of elections, military interference in governance, and the controversial release of convicted Islamist militants and mutineers.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who initially supported Yunus’s appointment under the “doctrine of necessity,” has grown increasingly critical of Yunus’s reluctance to hold elections promptly. The interim government’s delay in organizing polls, combined with the release of nearly 300 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutineers—convicted for the 2009 massacre of 57 army officers—and around 400 convicted Islamist radicals, has deeply unsettled the military leadership. These releases, advocated by Islamist groups close to Yunus’s camp, have coincided with a reported rise in militant activities, further straining civil-military relations.

The rift widened when Yunus’s military adviser, Lieutenant General Kamrul Hassan, allegedly sought U.S. support to succeed General Waker, a move seen as a breach of military protocol. General Waker attempted to dismiss Hassan, but Yunus blocked the order, intensifying the conflict. Sources indicate Yunus is preparing constitutional changes that could diminish the military’s constitutional role, potentially abolishing the presidency as commander-in-chief and allowing him to replace General Waker with Hassan.

In response, General Waker has rallied support from the Navy, Air Force, and intelligence agencies, signaling readiness to counter any such moves. The military has also restricted public gatherings near the Army Chief’s residence to prevent protests by Yunus supporters.

Further complicating the situation, General Waker has openly opposed the interim government’s proposal for a “humanitarian corridor” to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, citing sovereignty concerns and accusing Yunus’s administration of making key decisions without consulting the armed forces.

Political analysts warn that the escalating confrontation threatens Bangladesh’s fragile stability, as the interim government’s extended tenure and controversial policies fuel unrest within the military and society. Calls for early elections and a return to civilian rule grow louder, but the power struggle between Muhammad Yunus and General Waker-Uz-Zaman raises fears of a possible constitutional crisis or military intervention.

As Bangladesh navigates this volatile period, the balance between democratic governance and military influence remains uncertain, with significant implications for the country’s future political trajectory.