Interim ruler Muhammad Yunus and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman are in conflict. Their main disagreement is about the timing of elections and rising foreign influence in the country.

Zaman Pushes for Early Elections

Firstly, General Zaman wants Bangladesh to hold elections as soon as possible. He believes the country urgently needs an elected and stable government. However, Yunus seems to delay the process. According to CNN-News18, he supports rival generals who are aligned with foreign powers.

Violent Unrest Led to Yunus's Rise

Earlier in August 2024, widespread street violence forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Afterward, the army and protest groups installed Yunus as interim leader. He was supposed to lead until elections were held.

Yunus Makes Big Changes Without Mandate

Despite not being elected, Yunus has made major political decisions. For instance, he has removed references to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founder, from national symbols. Additionally, he cracked down on Hasina’s party, the Awami League (BAL), and banned all of its affiliates.

Ideological Differences Deepen the Rift

Moreover, Yunus and Zaman have opposite political leanings. Zaman is known for his pro-India stance and his firm opposition to Islamist groups. On the other hand, Yunus favors pro-Pakistan policies and appeals to hardline Islamists in Bangladesh and abroad. This deep divide adds more strain to their relationship.

Zaman Fears Foreign Interference

Furthermore, CNN-News18 reported that foreign involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs has increased under Yunus. Zaman believes this interference threatens national stability. Therefore, he wants elections held quickly. Army sources told CNN-News18, “The Army chief wants Yunus to declare elections as soon as possible. His biggest worry is instability due to foreign interference, which may be a possibility because of Yunus who is perceived as a puppet of foreign agencies.”

They also noted the army’s concern about Yunus freeing prisoners through executive orders.

Yunus Releases Extremists, Bans BAL

In recent weeks, Yunus released several Islamist leaders from prison. One of them is Jashimuddin Rahmani Hafi, the head of Al Qaeda’s affiliate Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). As a result, Islamist extremists have become more visible in public spaces. Meanwhile, Yunus banned the Awami League and its supporting groups.

Yunus Backs Zaman’s Rival in Army

In addition, Yunus is now supporting a rival to Zaman within the army. Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman, who reportedly shares Yunus’s pro-Pakistan views, recently held a private meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Khalilur Rahman. CNN-News18 reported that their meeting may have involved plans to replace Zaman.

However, most senior army commanders still back Zaman. So, a successful coup attempt seems unlikely for now.

Pakistan Allegedly Backs Anti-Zaman Faction

To complicate matters, Pakistan’s intelligence chief Lt Gen Asim Malik also met NSA Khalilur Rahman. This suggests that Pakistan might be openly supporting Yunus and the anti-Zaman group within the army.

Previously, CNN-News18 reported that the Bangladeshi Army is split into two factions. One side supports Zaman and the Awami League. The other, led by Faizur Rahman and backed by Yunus and the NSA, leans toward Pakistan. Although this group once considered a coup, most officers refused to join them. Nevertheless, Rahman’s continued support for Pakistan is causing ongoing friction inside the military.