By Bharat Global Time | May 23, 2025
Dhaka – In a dramatic turn of events shaking Bangladesh’s political core, Nobel laureate and opposition-backed figure Dr. Muhammad Yunus has issued what many are calling his final warning to the military-backed regime: resign or I will.
Sources close to Yunus say the economist-turned-political icon is fed up with what he calls “silent martial law” controlling Bangladesh behind a civilian façade. In a fiery closed-door meeting with civil society leaders, Yunus reportedly said he was prepared to step away from politics entirely unless the military steps back and allows a truly democratic transition.
Campus Unrest Boils Over
The news of Yunus’ ultimatum triggered an immediate reaction across university campuses. Thousands of students from Dhaka University, Chittagong, and Rajshahi poured onto the streets in a rare show of coordinated defiance.
“Bangladesh belongs to the people, not generals in suits,” chanted students as clashes broke out with police in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area. Water cannons and tear gas were used as security forces attempted to disperse the swelling crowd.
Islamist Groups Join the Fray
In a surprising twist, conservative Islamist factions—historically at odds with liberal civil society—have also thrown their weight behind the anti-military protests. Groups like Islami Andolan Bangladesh and Hefazat-e-Islam staged massive rallies in Sylhet and Khulna, condemning military interference in politics and calling for the army to return to the barracks.
Analysts say this strange bedfellows alliance between secular student groups and Islamists could mark a new phase in the anti-regime movement.
“This is no longer about left or right,” said political analyst Kamal Haider. “It’s about restoring civilian supremacy.”
Regime on Edge, Army Silent
So far, the ruling regime has remained tight-lipped. Military spokespersons have issued no statements. Prime Minister Sheikh Rehana’s office dismissed Yunus’ remarks as “attention-seeking” and accused foreign lobbies of backing “anti-national disruptions.”
But insiders say the administration is rattled.
“There’s fear of a repeat of 2006–2007,” a senior bureaucrat told Bharat Global Time, referring to the last time the army took over amid political chaos.
Yunus: A Risky Gambit
Yunus’ threat to resign may either trigger a political earthquake — or leave the opposition without a unifying figure. Some within his own camp are urging restraint.
“If he leaves now, the movement may collapse. But if he stays, he must lead it boldly,” said a student activist from the Grameen Youth Forum.
