Bangladesh Staring At Another Coup-Like Situation With Heavy Army Presence In Dhaka?
At present, one full brigade of the army is stationed in the capital Dhaka along with paramilitary forces and units from the Bangladesh Border Guards.
Police personnel from nearby districts have been mobilized to reinforce security in Dhaka. Bangladesh army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman, held an emergency meeting on Monday, signalling potential major developments in the coming days.
The meeting was attended by top army officers, including five Lieutenant Generals and eight Major Generals.
Amid growing unrest under Muhammad Yunus; analysts say Bangladesh may see a military takeover soon, with a possibility of the army removing interim government chief Muhammad Yunus and assuming control.
Since Muhammad Yunus took charge after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024, there has been a growing mistrust among the Bangladeshi people towards the government.
In view of this, the discussions in the army top brass meeting revolved around the potential role of the military in restoring stability.
Sources indicated that the army may pressure the President to declare a state of emergency or stage a coup against Yunus. The army is also exploring the option of forming a national unity government under its oversight.
In recent months, various political parties and student leaders have raised their voices against the army, which has upset many sections within the military and provoked it to come up with a plan to control these protesters.
Amid the ongoing political turmoil, Yunus is scheduled to visit China soon. The visit, which could lead to changes in China-Bangladesh relations, will be closely watched by Dhaka's neighbours including New Delhi.
Amid a controversy over US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard's remarks on violence against minorities in Bangladesh, the White House on Wednesday said that America welcomed measures taken by the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government to "ensure safety and security for all", while also saying that it would be watching closely.
The White House appeared to tone down its criticism of Bangladesh three days after Gabbard, in an interview with an Indian TV channel, flagged the violence against religious minorities in the Asian nation. The Yunus government hit back to reject the charges as "damaging to the reputation" of the country.
Speaking at a media briefing, spokesperson for the US Department of State Tammy Bruce was asked by a journalist about the ongoing row following Gabbard's comments on Islamic terrorism while talking about minority persecution in Bangladesh.
The reporter said while the spy chief had raised concerns without directly taking Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's name, the latter had vehemently denied the allegations.
Bruce was quick to step in, saying that America condemns any instances of violence or intolerance towards minorities in any country.
"We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed towards members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That's what we're watching. That's what we expect. And that will be what continues," she added.
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