Tensions Rise in Bangladesh Amid Political and Economic Shifts
Dhaka, May 27, 2025 — Bangladesh is witnessing a critical moment of instability, with mounting tensions between the military and the interim government, ongoing public protests, and significant economic disruptions threatening to further destabilize the nation.
Political Standoff and Protests
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is facing increasing pressure from both the public and the military. Over the past week, primary school teachers and public sector workers have joined widespread protests, expressing frustration over the government’s failure to set a firm election date and its recent ordinance allowing the dismissal of employees without formal inquiry. Thousands of government employees continued their demonstrations in Dhaka, demanding the withdrawal of the controversial Public Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025. Police have banned rallies around government secretariats, but unrest persists.
Political discord is deepening. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), now the main opposition after the suspension of Awami League’s registration, is pushing for elections by December, while Yunus has suggested polls might not occur until June 2026. The National Citizen Party, born from last year’s student-led protests, insists elections should wait until key reforms are completed. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has publicly called for elections by year-end and expressed dissatisfaction with the current political climate, fueling rumors of a possible resignation by Yunus—rumors his cabinet has denied.
Military and Diplomatic Strains
Tensions between the interim government and the military have reached a critical point, with sources describing a “cold war” atmosphere in Dhaka. The army has also reportedly issued warnings to India over alleged cross-border issues, including the handling of undocumented individuals, raising the stakes for regional diplomacy.
Economic Disruptions and Trade Issues
Bangladesh’s economy is under severe strain. India has imposed restrictions on $770 million worth of imports via land routes, affecting key sectors such as garments, plastics, and food items. Dhaka is urgently seeking trade talks to resolve the issue, which threatens to further strain bilateral relations.
The country’s financial woes are compounded by allegations of significant financial misconduct. According to Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, $18–20 billion was allegedly laundered abroad during the previous Awami League regime, raising concerns about governance and accountability.
Law Enforcement and Cultural Initiatives
Amid the unrest, the Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department has launched a nationwide crackdown on online gambling and betting under the new Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. On the cultural front, the nation’s Cultural Adviser has outlined efforts to reshape Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, emphasizing creativity and national identity.
Outlook
As Bangladesh navigates these turbulent times, the lack of political consensus, ongoing protests, and economic disruptions have left citizens anxious about the country’s future. The coming weeks will be crucial as the interim government, political parties, and the military seek to chart a path forward amid escalating tensions and uncertainty.