Maintain Good Ties with Army: BNP Warns Yunus Government

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has urged the interim government under Muhammad Yunus to maintain good ties with the military amid tensions over the trial of army officers. The party warned that instability could have serious consequences ahead of the general elections scheduled for February next year.

During an emergency meeting in Dhaka with political parties, Salahuddin Ahmed of BNP emphasized, "We want you to maintain a good relationship with the armed forces. The state must remain balanced to avoid risks we cannot afford."

The warning comes in the wake of arrest warrants issued by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) for 16 serving army officers and 14 others, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in cases related to enforced disappearances and political dissidence. While the army has taken 15 officers into custody, one major general remains in hiding, raising questions about whether trials will proceed under civilian law or a military court-martial.

Several political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), participated in the discussions. The current interim administration has disbanded the Awami League until trials for its leaders conclude, suspending its registration and barring it from contesting in upcoming elections.

This advisory from BNP reflects the party's concerns over political stability and unity in the country, particularly following the July Uprising that led to the removal of the Awami League government in August 2024 and the installation of Yunus as the interim leader.

Maintaining a balanced relationship with the military remains crucial to avoid political turbulence as Bangladesh navigates this sensitive pre-election period.