Bangladesh's Interim Govt Chief Yunus threatens to resign as Bangladesh sees new wave of protests: Reports

Bangladesh's interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus is considering resignation due to the ongoing political deadlock and absence of consensus among political parties, according to unnamed sources in his office. The sources said Yunus had expressed his intention to step down but was persuaded by cabinet members not to proceed immediately.

On Thursday, the capital city Dhaka witnessed a major protest by supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demanding a clear election timeline. The demonstration was the first large-scale public agitation since Yunus assumed office following last year's student-led uprising. BNP leaders warned that continued delays could affect their support for the interim administration.

Nahid Islam, leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), met Yunus on Thursday night and confirmed that the interim chief adviser was contemplating resignation. Islam said, “We have been hearing news of Sir's (Yunus) resignation since this morning. So I went to meet Sir to discuss that issue… He said he is thinking about it. He feels that the situation is such that he cannot work.” Islam also stated that Yunus told him, “I won't be able to work unless the political parties can reach a common ground.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has reportedly instructed his officers that elections must be held by December or earlier. He was quoted as saying, “Bangladesh is passing through a chaotic phase. The situation is worsening by the day. The structure of the civil administration and law enforcement agencies has collapsed and failed to reconstitute.”

Although Yunus had previously pledged that general elections would be conducted by June 2026, no official date has been set. BNP senior leader Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain said, “The highest priority should be placed on announcing a clear roadmap for the election,” adding that the party’s continued support would depend on whether the government meets public expectations. The military played a pivotal role in last year's transition, supporting Yunus’s appointment after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.