Why Has the Question of the Chief Adviser’s Resignation Arisen?

When the interim government assumed responsibility for the country on 8 August last year, hardly anyone could have imagined that within just nine and a half months, the relationship between the government and political parties would deteriorate to an irreparable level. This government was originally founded upon the support of the armed forces, student leaders who led the 2024 mass uprising, and political parties. It also had the backing of the common working-class people, who asked for no positions but simply wanted the country to be governed properly.

Early Cooperation Turned into Division

In the initial months, the interim government maintained a collaborative relationship with political leaders. Key policy decisions were made in consultation with political parties. However, over time, the gap widened. This drift became evident in the remarks made by Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman in a recent address to military officials, where he stated that the government had made several decisions on military affairs without involving the armed forces.

Emerging Political Instability

There is growing political instability and uncertainty in the country. Several advisers have been accused of adopting an anti-political stance, and even the Chief Adviser’s own remarks have offended many political leaders who had suffered oppression over the past 15 years.

The government has also failed to consult political parties on major issues such as:

Additionally, the comments of a government spokesperson were seen by many political leaders as insulting.

The Ishraque Hossain Controversy

Discussions with several leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) revealed their concerns:

• They believe the government’s stance on Ishraque Hossain was biased.
• Although the Election Commission declared him the Mayor, his oath-taking ceremony was withheld citing a pending writ, which they view as an ulterior motive.
• Despite understanding that the week-long protest in front of City Hall caused severe public suffering, they insist they had no alternative when repeated attempts to meet the Chief Adviser failed.

BNP leaders argue that:

“The government is also to blame for the public suffering. Although the advisory council later held an emergency meeting and accepted demands after an NCP leader gave a one-hour ultimatum, delaying Ishraque’s matter for six days was insulting.”

BNP’s Ultimatum and Demands

At a press conference on Thursday, senior BNP leaders issued a stern message:

• They demanded the resignation of two student advisers and the national security adviser by December.
• They insisted on holding national elections by December.
• They warned that failure to meet these demands would make continued support for the government untenable.

Competing Political Movements

While BNP activists were protesting in Kakrail on Wednesday over the Ishraque issue, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) organised a siege of the Election Commission, demanding:

The NCP also described the Election Commission as subservient to the BNP, despite it not yet conducting any elections or completing constituency delimitation. Critics question the appropriateness of such accusations under these conditions. Moreover, the authority to determine election order lies with the government, not the Election Commission.

Mounting Pressure on the Chief Adviser

Despite a court ruling in Ishraque’s favour, the BNP issued a 48-hour ultimatum, intensifying its confrontational stance against both the government and the NCP.

At Thursday’s advisory council meeting, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed frustration and despair. Later that evening, NCP Convener Nahid Islam met with him. In an interview with BBC, he stated:

“The Chief Adviser expressed doubts about his ability to continue working under the current circumstances… The place from which you brought me after a mass uprising—there was hope for reform and change. But I feel I’m being held hostage. I cannot work like this.”

Both Nahid Islam and Yunus’ Special Assistant, Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, appealed to the Chief Adviser not to resign—including a personal plea via Facebook.

Editorial Analysis: Resignation Is Not the Solution

We, too, believe that the Chief Adviser’s resignation is not the solution. The priority now must be to bridge the growing gap with political parties through dialogue and to create an environment conducive to holding free and fair elections. There is no room for indecision or alternative thinking here.

Key Principles for the Interim Government:

For example, Nahid Islam resigned and joined a political party, now leading it. If current advisers wish to follow the same path, they must first step down.

Otherwise, advisers favouring one party will prompt others to lean the opposite way—creating a dangerous precedent for any interim government.

Toxic Political Culture and the Rise of Mob Politics

The hostile rhetoric between the student leadership and political parties that had led the mass uprising is deeply disappointing. During the Awami League government, abusive language was often used against opposition leaders, but never to this extent. Today, we are witnessing the rise of a “mob culture”, replacing the old authoritarian abuse of state machinery.

If we want even a minimum level of democracy, we must abandon mob rule and the misuse of state institutions for party interests.

Urgent Call for Election Roadmap

The government must immediately provide a clear roadmap for the elections. Debates about whether to hold elections in December or June are unhelpful. Only through prompt, inclusive dialogue and the announcement of an election timeline can we hope to overcome this phase of instability and uncertainty.

️ Summary Table: Current Political Crisis Timeline

For a stable democratic transition, the interim government must reaffirm its commitment to neutrality, restore trust with political actors, and lead the nation towards a credible election. The time for hesitation has passed. Now is the time for action and dialogue.