Muhammad Yunus Threatens To Resign After Bangladesh Army Chief's Election Deadline

Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's interim government is reportedly considering resigning because of growing dissatisfaction with the current political impasse, according to a interview given to BBC Bangla by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nahid Islam.

Islam is close to Yunus and played an important role in unseating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

He said that Yunus voiced sincere apprehension regarding the existing situation, stating he "would not be able to work unless the political parties reach a common ground."

Political commentators have drawn a connection between this threat to resign and a recent warning from Bangladesh Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman regarding initiatives like the proposed corridor to deliver aid to neighbouring Myanmar's Rakhine province, where Rohingyas hail from. Calling it a "bloody corridor," he emphasised that the army would not be involved in any activity harmful to national sovereignty. 

General Zaman had also urged Yunus to keep open lines of communication with the army on sensitive issues like the Rakhine corridor, prioritise holding elections by December, and stay away from interfering in military affairs.

Yunus has had a tenuous relationship with the army. Much against the wish of the protestors who took over the streets of Dhaka last year, the army had ensured a safe passage for Hasina to India.