General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh, is actively seeking ways to challenge Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus amid growing political unrest, according to sources who spoke to CNN-News18. The military's ambitions are underscored by recent meetings emphasizing their presence and intentions in high-profile settings.
As the nation approaches a critical juncture with elections looming in June, the army chief appears unwilling to wait. Reports indicate that Zaman is investigating various strategies, particularly exploring constitutional ambiguities to destabilize Yunus’ interim administration.
Legal assessments suggest that the interim government's legitimacy is precarious according to Bangladesh’s constitution, which mandates elections be held within 90 days following the dissolution of a government. In light of this, Zaman is reportedly intending to unite the factions of Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia for the upcoming national elections.
Should his efforts to displace Yunus fall short, insiders speculate that Zaman may covertly attempt to exert control over the political landscape to manage challenges more effectively. The military holds a firm stance that postponing elections contravenes constitutional principles, which may compel President Mohammed Shahabuddin to invoke a state of emergency.
Under Article 58 of the Bangladeshi Constitution, the President possesses the authority to enact emergency powers if there is a breakdown in constitutional order. In this context, the army is believed to be pressing Shahabuddin to utilize this provision to bypass Yunus’ authority.
General Zaman remains committed to fostering military cohesion and protecting the nation’s sovereignty, branding Yunus’ initiatives, including the controversial Rakhine corridor and heightened foreign engagement, as potential threats to national stability. Zaman has reportedly secured backing from both the navy and air force leadership, intensifying the public pressure on Yunus and possibly paving the way for a call for early elections.
