Bangladesh wreaking in ‘self-manufactured crisis’: After anti-Hindu ‘revolution’, conditions perfect for bloodless coup

Bangladesh finds itself in an unprecedented crisis as political instability, civil unrest, and international interference shaking the foundations of the country. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has issued stern warnings about the current situation. He highlighted that the ongoing political and social turmoil is a “self-manufactured” crisis. He has cautioned that if internal conflicts are not resolved, the country risks losing its sovereignty. The statement coming from the Army chief is a huge thing. The situation today is the direct result of a so-called revolution that has only brought chaos and destruction rather than stability and prosperity and everyone now know this.

On February 25, speaking at an army memorial event on the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles Mutiny (BDR) event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman made it clear that Bangladesh is in a dangerous situation. Bangladesh is facing serious threats both internally and externally. He has called on the nation to stay united, stressing that fighting among themselves is weakening the country. The Army Chief has also requested for immediate elections, stating that a politically unstable Bangladesh will never see peace. According to him, the country’s current leadership under interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus must ensure a free, fair, and inclusive election by December to restore order.

Zaman has been seen frustrated at the criticism directed toward the military. He said that the army is being unfairly attacked despite its role in maintaining stability.

“I have had enough for the last 7-8 months,” he said, highlighting the lawlessness, rise in criminal activities, and the failure of the political leadership to take charge of the situation.

Bangladesh has been in violence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following weeks of massive protests. The world witnessed Dhaka being taken over by radical Islamist forces under the leadership of interim chief advisor Muhammad Yunus. What was initially perceived as a revolution to bring change has, in reality, thrown the country into chaos, lawlessness, and economic decline.

Instead of achieving peace, Bangladesh has seen a surge in violence, with minorities, particularly Hindus, becoming the primary targets. Radical Islamist groups have attacked Hindu homes, temples, businesses, and properties belonging to Awami League leaders. This ethnic and political violence has worsened the law-and-order situation in the country.

The involvement of foreign forces in Bangladesh’s instability cannot be ignored. Evidence has emerged linking USAID funding to Muhammad Yunus and his organizations. Since 2002, USAID has provided $4.7 million directly to Yunus’s firm, Grameen Shakti, under the guise of improving the energy sector. However, Yunus’s repeated complaints about the stopping of USAID funding suggest that this financial support was far more politically motivated.

Furthermore, BBC World has also been a part of this destabilization strategy. Reports indicate that from 2021 to 2024, BBC received $6.2 million through the ‘People-to-People Reconciliation Fund.’ But no one knows what it means by ‘People-to-people Reconciliation’. During this period, the BBC actively pushed anti-Sheikh Hasina, anti-Hindu, and anti-India narratives. This not only fueled public dissent and unrest but also created a sense of hate in society. The pattern of misinformation and propaganda aligns with a larger plan to remove Hasina from power and install a US-backed puppet regime in Dhaka. This brought Yunus from exile and made him sit on interim chair.

As Bangladesh struggles with its post-revolution reality, internal political divisions continue to fuel the crisis. Student unions affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have turned against each other, engaging in violent clashes that have left the country in disarray. According to General Zaman, the ongoing infighting has created lawlessness where criminals prosper, knowing that the political leadership is too divided to take action against them.

Adding to the instability, key political figures are making strategic moves. Student protest leader Nahid Islam, who previously served in the Yunus government, resigned from his ministerial post in the telecom and information technology ministry to form a new political party. His resignation signals further fragmentation in Bangladesh’s political landscape, making it increasingly difficult for the country to stabilize. It also shows leaders are more concern about their own benefit and career rather Bangladesh.

The so-called revolution that led to Hasina’s ouster has failed the people of Bangladesh. Instead of bringing a new era of prosperity, it has plunged the country into violence, economic problems, and political uncertainty. The lack of leadership, rampant violent activities, and foreign interference have all contributed to Bangladesh’s decline.

General Zaman’s warnings should not be taken lightly. If the current leadership continues to delay elections and fails to restore law and order, the situation could get out of control. With Bangladesh’s sovereignty at stake, the people must recognize that what happened in July and August was not a revolution but a well-planned attack on their democracy. The only way forward is through unity, immediate political stability, and a return to democratic governance by announcing the election earliest.

The Army Chief has made it clear: he will return to his barracks once the country is stable. Until then, Bangladesh remains on the brink of disaster, with its fate hanging in the balance.