The Voice News: DHAKA – Bangladesh is witnessing escalating protests as thousands of public sector employees, including primary school teachers and civil servants, voice their anger against a controversial ordinance issued by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The unrest marks a critical juncture in the country’s fragile transition following the dramatic ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus, 84, was appointed as interim head of government in August 2024 after nationwide, student-led demonstrations turned violent, leading to Hasina’s departure and asylum in India. The protests, which resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths, stemmed from accusations of electoral fraud, authoritarianism, and suppression of dissent.
Since taking office, Yunus has faced mounting challenges in stabilizing the political landscape. His administration is now under pressure from nearly every sector of society—government employees, educators, students, political parties, and even the military.
Widespread Discontent Over New Dismissal Ordinance
Tensions flared after the caretaker government issued a new ordinance on Sunday that empowers the Ministry of Public Administration to summarily dismiss government employees for alleged misconduct without a formal investigation or due process. Public servants across the country decried the move as authoritarian and “repressive,” prompting ongoing nationwide demonstrations now entering their third day.
“We demand immediate withdrawal of this undemocratic measure,” said a representative of the Bangladesh Civil Service Coordination Committee. “This threatens job security and violates our basic rights.”
Teachers Begin Indefinite Work Stoppage
On Monday, over 200,000 government primary school teachers began an indefinite work stoppage, demanding a significant increase in their salaries, citing inflation and wage disparities. Schools in many districts remain shut, disrupting education for millions of students.
“The government must prioritize our livelihoods if it wants to ensure quality education,” said a protest leader in Khulna.
Backpedaling on Tax Reform Amid Revenue Staff Protest
The interim government’s decision to dissolve the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and split it into two departments under the Ministry of Finance also met fierce resistance from revenue officers. Following strikes and threats of non-cooperation, the decision was hastily reversed on Sunday, indicating the government’s vulnerability to organized pressure.
Political Tensions Deepen Ahead of Election Talks
Adding to the turmoil, political uncertainty grew last week when a top student leader claimed Yunus was considering resignation if consensus on reforms and an election timeline could not be reached. Though Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud refuted the resignation rumors, he acknowledged Yunus’ frustrations and the weight of opposition.
“We are not going anywhere till our job is done,” Mahmud stated. “Yunus remains committed to holding a credible election.”
Yunus has proposed holding general elections by June 2026, but the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, demands polls by December 2025. The Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly formed National Citizen Party, which spearheaded last year’s protests, also insist on early elections and constitutional reforms.
Military Pressure and Awami League’s Political Ban
Bangladesh’s powerful military has also weighed in, with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly urging elections to be held this December, signaling discontent with the interim government’s pace. Political analysts view the military’s involvement as a sign of dwindling confidence in the caretaker regime.
Meanwhile, Hasina’s Awami League party—dominant in Bangladeshi politics for over a decade—was barred earlier this month from contesting in the next elections after the Election Commission suspended its registration over alleged election-related irregularities and abuse of power. Many of its top leaders have either been arrested or gone into hiding.
High-Stakes Political Dialogue Underway
Over the weekend, Yunus held emergency talks with representatives from major political parties in an effort to defuse the crisis. Discussions focused on electoral reforms, a new election commission, and the restoration of political rights. However, no breakthrough has been announced.
“We are in a war-like situation,” said Yunus’ press secretary, Shafiqul Alam. “There are constant efforts to destabilize the country since the Awami League’s political activities were halted. But we remain focused on guiding the country toward democratic recovery.”
As Bangladesh teeters between reform and unrest, observers both domestic and international are closely monitoring whether Yunus can navigate the complex political terrain and deliver a credible path to elections—or whether fresh upheaval will again plunge the nation into chaos.