Bangladesh warns of action if govt's autonomy, reform efforts obstructed

DHAKA: The Bangladesh interim govt has said necessary steps will be taken together with the people if under "instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy", the govt's performance of responsibilities becomes impossible.

This came amid a growing rift between Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus and the military leadership over a controversial proposal to facilitate a "humanitarian corridor" to Myanmar and days after the govt refuted a key ally's claim that Yunus had mulled resignation. "The interim govt will take necessary decisions together with the people of the country if the govt's autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable," the council of advisers said in a statement after an unscheduled meeting on Saturday.

It said that if "under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy, the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the govt will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people".

During a series of meetings on Saturday and Sunday, Yunus also rejected demands by major national parties, including BNP, to hold the national election by Dec this year, reiterating that the poll will be held in 2026 but not after June.

"Muhammad Yunus is a man of his word. He gave a cut-off time. He won't go beyond that," chief adviser's press secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters referring to the election likely to be held between Dec 2025 and June next year.

Leaders of BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and other political parties, except Awami League, held separate meetings with Yunus. NCP members said local govt polls should be held ahead of the national election - a demand being seen as the party's bid to have a chance at making its position stronger at the grassroots-level before the Bangladesh poll.