Bangladesh Faces Potential Military Takeover Amid Political Turmoil

Bangladesh stands on the brink of a significant political shift as reports emerge of a possible military takeover, with the army potentially poised to remove interim government chief Muhammad Yunus from power. Sources cited by India Today indicate that the Bangladesh Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is contemplating decisive action to address the country’s escalating instability. This follows an emergency meeting convened on Monday, March 24, 2025, hinting at major developments that could unfold in the days ahead.

Emergency Meeting Signals Military Discontent

The high-level meeting, attended by five Lieutenant Generals, eight Major Generals (General Officer Commanding), commanding officers of Independent Brigades, and key officials from army headquarters, underscored the military’s growing unease. Discussions reportedly centered on the army’s role in restoring stability amid widespread public distrust in Yunus’s interim government, which assumed power in August 2024 following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League administration. Sources suggest the military is weighing options such as pressuring President Mohammed Shahabuddin to declare a state of emergency or orchestrating a full-fledged coup to oust Yunus. Another possibility under consideration is the formation of a national unity government overseen by the military.

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Rising Tensions and Public Mistrust

Since Yunus, a Nobel laureate, took the helm of the interim government, public confidence has eroded significantly. The administration, initially heralded as a stabilizing force after months of student-led protests that toppled Hasina, has struggled to maintain law and order and address the demands of a fractured populace. Political parties and student leaders have increasingly criticized both the government and the army, accusing the latter of overreach and failing to curb unrest. This backlash has reportedly provoked the military to devise strategies to suppress dissent, including intensified operations across Dhaka. Since Friday, joint security forces have ramped up patrols and established checkpoints in response to a wave of protest marches.

Army Faces Internal and External Pressures

The military’s actions come amid mounting internal frustrations and external scrutiny. In recent months, various factions, including political groups and student activists, have targeted the army with accusations of aligning with controversial agendas. A notable social media campaign, spearheaded by France-based Bangladeshi influencer Pinaki Bhattacharya, has further inflamed tensions by urging extremists and students to protest against General Waker-Uz-Zaman, alleging he is swayed by Indian influence. Meanwhile, a student-led party has claimed the army is secretly planning to revive Hasina’s Awami League—a charge the military has firmly denied.

Yunus’s China Visit Adds Regional Dimension

Compounding the domestic crisis is Yunus’s upcoming visit to China, scheduled in the near future. The trip, aimed at potentially reshaping China-Bangladesh relations, is being closely monitored by neighboring countries, particularly India, given the geopolitical implications. Analysts suggest that any alignment with China could further complicate Dhaka’s already strained regional dynamics, especially as India-Bangladesh ties have deteriorated since Hasina’s ouster.

A Nation at a Crossroads

The convergence of these developments paints a picture of a nation teetering on the edge. The army’s emergency meeting and subsequent maneuvers signal a potential pivot away from civilian rule, driven by its dissatisfaction with Yunus’s leadership and the broader political chaos. Whether this culminates in a state of emergency, a coup, or a military-backed unity government remains uncertain. However, the stakes are high, with the military’s next moves likely to determine Bangladesh’s trajectory amid ongoing protests, public discontent, and international attention.

As Dhaka braces for what lies ahead, the possibility of a military takeover looms large, threatening to reshape the country’s fragile political landscape in profound and unpredictable ways.