Bangladesh army shifts away from the Yunus Government as it calls for stronger ties with India amid chaos and downward slide
Bangladesh is currently facing a period of political uncertainty and unrest as the government led by Muhammad Yunus finds itself increasingly at odds with the country’s powerful military establishment. The recent statements made by General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, at the Dhaka International Marathon 2025, indicate a significant shift in the military’s stance towards the civilian government. His emphasis on peace, stability and international cooperation—particularly with India—suggests growing dissatisfaction within the army ranks regarding the Yunus administration’s policies and governance approach. The military in Bangladesh has historically played a crucial role in maintaining internal stability, often stepping in when political crises spiral out of control. With political tensions escalating under the Yunus government, the army appears to be distancing itself from the administration, signalling a potential realignment in the country’s power dynamics. Several factors seem to be driving the military’s dissatisfaction with the Yunus government. This indicates the military’s concerns over the deteriorating economic conditions and increasing social divisions under Yunus’s leadership. Persistent political unrest could be damaging to foreign investments and economic growth, both of which are essential for national development.
The military appears to be worried about governance inefficiencies and security concerns, especially as political violence and mass protests become more frequent. The Yunus government’s inability to control these disruptions may be viewed as a failure to ensure stability, a key concern for the army. Bangladesh’s military leadership values strong bilateral relations with key regional powers. General Waker’s remarks about India underscore the army’s desire for a pragmatic foreign policy approach that prioritises stability and mutual benefits rather than ideological stances or populist rhetoric. General Waker-uz-Zaman’s statement emphasising India as an important neighbour and a key partner in regional security and economic cooperation suggests a strategic recalibration in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. His remarks that Bangladesh “depends on India in many matters” and that both countries should respect each other’s strategic interests signal a clear endorsement of closer ties with New Delhi. India and Bangladesh share deep economic linkages, including trade, energy cooperation and infrastructure projects. A stable relationship with India ensures continued economic growth and regional connectivity. Cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and border management is crucial for maintaining peace and stability. Bangladesh’s military leadership might be viewing stronger ties with India as a means to maintain a balanced foreign policy, ensuring that Dhaka does not become overly reliant on any single regional power. the balance of power between the civilian leadership and the military will be crucial in determining the country’s direction in the coming months.
