Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus Considers Resignation Amid Political Turmoil

In the midst of escalating political tensions and mounting internal discord within the interim government, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is reportedly contemplating stepping down from his position. The revelation emerged Thursday evening through Nahid Islam, convenor of the National Citizen Party (NCP), after a private meeting at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka.

Speaking exclusively to BBC Bangla, Nahid shared that Yunus had expressed profound frustration over the deteriorating political climate. “We’ve been hearing since morning that Sir Yunus might resign. I went to speak with him about this,” Nahid explained. “He conveyed that the current atmosphere has made it increasingly difficult for him to perform his duties effectively.”

Yunus reportedly voiced his disillusionment with the ongoing political strife, questioning how he could lead efforts for reform when political parties fail to find common ground. Nahid quoted him saying, “If I cannot work… the way I’m being cornered, I cannot function like this.” The Chief Adviser also expressed doubts about the possibility of leading meaningful change under such circumstances, stating, “How can I do that if political parties demand my resignation and there is no clear support?”

Despite the gravity of these remarks, Nahid urged Yunus to remain steadfast. “I told him that given our movement’s aspirations and the future of national security and governance, he must stay strong. We hope all parties will cooperate with him,” he added.

When directly asked whether Yunus was seriously considering resignation, Nahid confirmed, “Yes, he’s thinking about it. He feels that if he cannot perform effectively, there is no point in remaining.”

Yunus reportedly told Nahid, “If political parties themselves demand my resignation and I don’t receive clear support, then why should I stay?”

The timing of this development coincides with heightened opposition protests. The BNP has demanded the removal of two key advisers Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan following protests over the Dhaka South City Corporation election. The opposition party is also calling for the dismissal of National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, signaling a period of intensified political unrest and uncertainty at the highest levels of governance.