Bangladesh Army Chief opposes Muhammad Yunus's appointment

Bangladesh's Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman reportedly opposed the idea of appointing Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the chief adviser. This claim was made by Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party, in a recent video. Abdullah stated that General Zaman questioned Yunus’s suitability for the role despite his accolades. Tensions are rising within the Bangladesh Army, as factions loyal to different political parties are at odds. Some are reportedly aligned with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), while others support the ruling Awami League. This division is raising concerns about the political future of the country. General Zaman has shown a commitment to maintaining a professional military and has warned against delays in governance. He has publicly expressed concerns for the nation’s stability, stating that a weak police force and military could lead to a collapse of order. In contrast, Lt. Gen. Mohammad Faizur Rahman, the Army's Quartermaster General, has been viewed as having Islamist sympathies and ties to Pakistan. Reports suggest he previously attempted to gather support for a coup against General Zaman, which ultimately failed, resulting in his house arrest. Recent visits from ISI officials to Bangladesh are being scrutinized. They are viewed as efforts to strengthen Pakistan's influence within the country, particularly by connecting with military factions. The ISI's goals seem to include delaying elections and promoting political unrest through affiliate groups. As Bangladesh navigates through these internal conflicts and external pressures, General Zaman continues to advocate for stability and professionalism in the military. However, the challenges of factional disputes and foreign influence pose significant risks to the nation’s sovereignty.