Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is facing mounting pressure as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demands national elections by December 2025. BNP leaders have warned that they will not cooperate with the administration unless a firm election timeline is established.
BNP’s Demands and Political Tensions
BNP leaders met with Chief Adviser Yunus at his Jamuna residence, urging him to reconstitute his cabinet by removing controversial advisers and announcing a clear election roadmap. The party is particularly opposed to Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, two advisers linked to the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, which played a role in ousting Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government last year.
Military and Opposition Pressure
The Bangladesh Army, led by General Walker-uz-Zaman, has also weighed in, stating that only an elected government has the mandate to determine the country’s future. The army chief emphasized that national elections should be held by December, further increasing pressure on Yunus.
Political Uncertainty and Future Outlook
Yunus’ administration, which replaced Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, is now facing similar challenges, with reports suggesting that the military may intervene again if political instability continues. BNP leaders have proposed two possible election timelines—either mid-February 2026, if reforms are completed, or immediately after Ramadan, if delays persist.
