Dhaka, May 23 (UNI) Bangladesh's interim government chief, Professor Muhammad Yunus is reportedly on the verge of stepping down, as frustration and disillusionment deepens within Bangladesh’s public, political groups, and his own interim government regarding his ability to govern the country.
According to Business Standard BD, witnesses present at key meetings this week revealed that Yunus has expressed serious doubts about remaining in office, citing growing political obstruction, lack of cooperation from major parties, and intensifying public unrest.
During a lengthy and informal session with his advisory council, Yunus questioned the point of continuing in his role if he could not govern effectively.
"What is the point of being the Chief Advisor if I cannot function properly?" he reportedly asked, expressing frustration over being "held hostage" by relentless demonstrations and political infighting. A draft of a resignation speech was reportedly discussed, though no final decision was made.
Yunus, who assumed leadership following the July uprising last year, leading to the ouster of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League govt, is said to be increasingly frustrated by the failure of political forces to rally behind reform. "I cannot work like this if you, all the political parties, cannot reach a common ground," he said, reports Daily Star.
At the centre of the crisis is growing disagreement over the timing and integrity of upcoming elections. While Yunus has pledged polls no later than June 2026, opposition parties—including the BNP—are demanding a fixed date this year. The BNP has also called for a slimmed-down advisory council and the immediate removal of several senior advisers, including Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam and National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman.
The National Citizen Party (NCP), a key player in the July uprising, has joined calls for a restructured Election Commission and threatened to boycott the polls unless sweeping reforms are enacted. NCP convener Nahid Islam, who met Yunus at his official residence on Wednesday evening, later told BBC Bangla: "He said he was thinking of resigning. He’s deeply concerned whether he can continue under the current circumstances,” reports Dhaka Tribune.
Compounding the tension is a widening rift between Yunus and the military. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has insisted that elections be held by December, warning that "Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers."
Behind closed doors, Yunus is said to have clashed with the general over controversial issues such as the ‘humanitarian corridor’ into Myanmar’s Rakhine State and foreign management of Chittagong Port—moves critics claim could compromise national sovereignty. "Such an atmosphere has been created as if I am selling off the country," Yunus reportedly said. "I don’t want to stay with this slander."
The appointment of Khalilur Rahman as National Security Advisor—seen by many as an attempt to curb military dominance in security affairs—has further strained the relationship.
The 84-year-old CA has also reportedly dismissed Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin for not aligning with the administration’s direction, suggesting his grip on the bureaucracy may be slipping.
Since Hasina’s removal, Bangladesh has faced growing instability. The interim government, initially hailed as a reset, is now beset by internal fractures and rising distrust. Supporters who once championed Yunus’s leadership during the uprising are beginning to voice their own frustrations over a lack of clear progress and fears of centralised control.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have raised alarms over the significant deterioration of the country’s civil liberties since the change in leadership. Reports of arbitrary detentions, suppression of dissent, and pressure on the media have drawn sharp criticism, adding to the pressure on Yunus’s administration from both within and outside the country.
In addition, there have been mounting concerns regarding the rise of Islamic extremism, minority harassment, women abuse, and the near collapse of socio-political-economic stability in recent months by citizens and political groups alike.

External observers and civil society organisations have accused the CA’s interim cabinet of turning a blind eye to the rising influence of hardline factions in policymaking and on the streets. Several prominent clerics linked to extremist networks have reportedly received backing or leniency from state institutions under his leadership.
Minority communities, including tribals, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, have reported a strong spike in targeted harassment and violence, with little recourse from law enforcement.
Women's rights groups have similarly flagged an increase in gender-based abuses, with reports of intimidation, workplace harassment, and a rollback of protections introduced under previous administrations.
Activists warn that this trend could undermine Bangladesh’s long-standing secular foundations and further inflame tensions.
As pressure mounts both from within his administration and from the streets, Yunus’s leadership appears increasingly precarious—his next move could shape the country’s trajectory for years to come.
Whether he truly intends to walk away, or is merely threatening, either way, Bangladesh’s fragile political transition now faces its most serious test, as it stands on highly perilous and uncertain crossroads.
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