The Bangladesh Army Chief Had reservations about Dr. Muhammad Yunus Being Made Chief Adviser to the Interim Government.
It has been found through a recent video that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman was deeply perturbed with the decision to make Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, a caretaker government Chief Advisor.
During a candid interview with Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Youth and Sports Adviser General Waqar-uz-Zaman questioned Dr. Yunus’s appointment as he has a prior legal problem and has been convicted. The Army Chief purportedly argued that it would be inappropriate for a convicted individual to serve in such a crucial position, considering that roughly 30-40% of Bangladeshis are affiliated with the Awami League party that is deeply anti-Dr. Yunus.
Although he was concerned, General Waqar-uz-Zaman ultimately consented to the decision, allegedly stating, “I am accepting this decision with a heavy heart.”
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Dr. Yunus Appointment and Political Context
The President Dr. Muhammad Yunus, renowned founder of the Grameen Bank and father of microfinance, was sworn in as the Chief Advisor on August 8, 2024. He was sworn in following months of acute political crisis culminating in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, in the face of nationwide protests calling for political reforms.
While others welcomed Dr. Yunus’ election as a stabilisation and liberalisation move, it was met with ambivalent responses across the country that reflected underlying political fault lines.
Dr. Yunus’ Inaugural Address
In his first speech as Chief Advisor, Dr. Yunus promised to restore justice and return to state institutions their integrity and conduct fair governance. He promised the people that the criminals would be brought to justice and urged everyone to contribute to the development of the country collectively. It is in this context that Bangladesh is poised on the threshold of a watershed moment. All eyes are now on whether the caretaker government can help steer it through this political stalemate.
