Bangladesh in Political Turmoil: Why Is Professor Yunus Considering Resignation?

Dhaka, 23 May 2025 – Bangladesh’s interim government is facing an unprecedented political crisis, following reports that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed his intention to resign. The development has cast a shadow over the stability and future of the caretaker administration, which was originally formed with the consensus of all major political parties.

What Triggered the Crisis?

The political storm erupted as Professor Yunus, globally renowned for his Nobel Peace Prize and contributions to microfinance, reportedly conveyed his desire to step down during an unscheduled meeting with fellow advisers on Thursday. During the session, he cited mounting frustration and institutional hurdles, including a lack of cooperation from political parties, which have made governance virtually impossible.

Key Points Behind Yunus’s Resignation Consideration

Backdrop: Increasing Political Tension

The situation is unfolding at a time when:

• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is intensifying street agitation, signalling its potential departure from supporting the caretaker administration.
• The Chief of Army Staff, General Waqar-uz-Zaman, held a closed-door meeting with military officers on Wednesday, addressing issues including election readiness, a proposed humanitarian corridor in Rakhine (Myanmar), and the rising threat of mob violence.

The army chief’s remarks, later leaked to the media, have heightened speculation about potential military influence in civilian matters, fuelling anxieties about democratic backsliding.

Quote from the Advisers’ Meeting

According to sources present at Thursday’s emergency meeting:

“Professor Yunus voiced deep concern over the inability to function effectively due to persistent political obstructionism. He expressed his frustration at the lack of commitment from major parties and questioned the practicality of continuing under such conditions.”

Public and Political Reactions

Political analysts suggest this is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s fragile democratic process. While some civil society members empathise with Professor Yunus’s frustrations, others argue that resignation would worsen instability and embolden anti-democratic elements.

Historical Context: Caretaker Governments in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a long tradition of caretaker governments during election periods to ensure neutrality. However, in recent years, this tradition has come under strain due to increasing polarisation and distrust between major parties.

• 1996: First formal caretaker government introduced.
• 2006-2008: Military-backed interim government stayed for two years, drawing criticism.
• 2024: The current caretaker government formed under political consensus following allegations of electoral irregularities.

Professor Yunus’s reported resignation consideration is not just a personal decision—it may well reshape the political trajectory of Bangladesh. With rising street unrest, fragile institutional cooperation, and potential military entanglement, the nation finds itself once again at a democratic crossroads.