Dhaka, May 23, 2025 – In a significant development that could reshape Bangladesh’s political future, interim Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus is reportedly considering stepping down from his position due to growing frustration over stalled political and
electoral reforms. Sources close to the interim government suggest that Yunus, who took office after a student-led uprising ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in mid-2024, has grown increasingly disillusioned by the lack of progress and cooperation among the country’s major political factions.
The announcement comes at a time of mounting public dissatisfaction and growing dema
nds from opposition parties and civil society for a clear path toward democratic elections.
A Transitional Leader Under Pressure
Muhammad Yunus, globally respected for his work in poverty alleviation through microcredit and founder of Grameen Bank, was seen as a neutral and reform-minded figure when he agreed to lead a transitional government in August 2024. His leadership was part of a broader national consensus to restore democratic order following widespread protests, electoral boycotts, and violent political crackdowns.
Initially, Yunus was met with widespread optimism. His mandate was to introduce electoral, judicial, and political reforms before holding general elections. However, nine months into his tenure, Yunus appears to be losing patience with the slow pace of progress and persistent infighting.
Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Nahid Islam, president of the influential student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) and a close ally of Yunus, revealed:
“Dr. Yunus is deeply frustrated. He took this position with the vision to unite the country and prepare for free and fair elections. But the old political forces are not cooperating. If things don’t change, he may decide to resign.”
Stalled Reforms and a Divided Political Landscape
One of the biggest challenges facing Yunus is the deep mistrust between Bangladesh’s major political parties: the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the now-suspended Awami League (AL). Earlier this year, the Election Commission under the interim administration suspended the AL’s party registration, effectively barring it from participating in upcoming elections due to repeated violations of electoral codes.
The BNP, on the other hand, has been pressuring the interim government to hold elections no later than December 2025. But Yunus, citing the need for comprehensive electoral reform, hinted in recent statements that elections may need to be pushed to early 2026, triggering backlash from several quarters.
Adding to the complexity is Yunus’s tense relationship with the country’s powerful military. Sources have confirmed that Bangladesh’s army chief has privately expressed frustration over the interim government’s perceived indecisiveness and its reluctance to declare an election roadmap.
Public Sentiment and Civil Society Reactions
Public sentiment, once supportive of Yunus’s leadership, has begun to shift. Many citizens who took to the streets demanding change in 2024 are now expressing disillusionment with what they see as political stagnation.
“We wanted change, but it’s been almost a year and nothing concrete has happened,” said a university student in Dhaka. “If even Yunus can’t fix this, who can?”
Civil society leaders and foreign observers have also begun voicing concerns. Several Western diplomats have reportedly urged the interim government to set a firm election date to avoid further political instability and economic uncertainty.
What Resignation Could Mean
Should Muhammad Yunus resign, Bangladesh could face a political vacuum with no consensus candidate to lead the country through its transition. Analysts warn that such a move could result in renewed street protests, a return to violent political clashes, or worse—direct military intervention.
Professor Rezaul Karim, a political analyst at Dhaka University, remarked:
“If Yunus steps down, it could derail the entire reform process. There’s no figure with his moral authority and international standing ready to take over. The consequences could be severe.”
Others, however, argue that Yunus’s departure might open the door to a more politically experienced interim leader capable of negotiating a compromise among rival factions.
Call for National Dialogue
In light of the current stalemate, multiple political analysts and stakeholders are calling for a national dialogue involving the BNP, representatives of the former Awami League, civil society groups, and the military to agree on a timeline for elections and the path forward.
Many are also urging Yunus to stay the course, warning that his resignation would only deepen the crisis.
“We understand his frustration,” said Nahid Islam. “But he’s still the best hope we have. We ask him to reconsider and give us more time to bring everyone on board.”
Conclusion
The future of Bangladesh’s democracy appears to be at a critical juncture. Muhammad Yunus’s threat to resign highlights the immense difficulty of governing a deeply polarized nation in transition. While his leadership brought hope to millions, the lack of progress may now force him to walk away from the task he once embraced.
For now, all eyes are on Dhaka’s political corridors, where the next steps will determine not just the fate of a government, but the democratic aspirations of an entire nation.
