'Frustrated, Yunus hints at quitting'
Frustrated over recent developments, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is considering stepping down, said sources familiar with what went down at the Chief Adviser's Office and Jamuna yesterday.
During unofficial discussions at an advisory council meeting, he voiced his desire to resign and address the nation through a televised speech. He talked about his worries over aspersions on his government's performance and duties, added the sources.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Meanwhile, as speculations ran rife on social media, Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and National Citizen Party Convener Nahid Islam -- all frontline leaders of the July uprising -- met Yunus around 6:30pm at his official residence, state guest house Jamuna.
Nahid, talking to BBC Bangla afterwards, said the chief adviser was weighing resignation.
He said he went to Jamuna as they had been hearing about Yunus's possible resignation since morning.
According to him, the chief adviser expressed concerns about whether he would be able to continue working under the current circumstances.
Recalling how the former student leaders had requested him to take charge and carry out reform initiatives after the August 5 political changeover, Yunus expressed discontent about relentless protests over myriad demands.
He said he felt "held hostage" by such demonstrations, Nahid told the British broadcaster.
"I cannot work like this if you, all the political parties, cannot reach a common ground," the NCP chief quoted Yunus as saying.
At that, Nahid urged Yunus not to make such a decision in haste. "He should remain strong. He should ensure unity among all parties. I hope everyone will cooperate with him," Nahid told BBC Bangla.
Ariful Islam, senior joint convener of the NCP and head of the political liaison committee, told The Daily Star that Nahid met the chief adviser to discuss the current political situation.
"However, the chief adviser expressed his willingness to reconsider his role in the present circumstances. At the meeting, Nahid urged him to reflect on the aspirations surrounding the July uprising, national security, sovereignty, and unity before making a final decision."
Lately, political tensions have been rising, fuelled by protests from various parties and increasingly toxic rhetoric on social media and at political gatherings.
The BNP has long been pressing for the election by December. Also, it yesterday demanded a smaller advisory council, with immediate removal of Mahfuj, Asif and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman.
Leaders of the NCP demonstrated on Wednesday, saying they would not take part in any polls under the current Election Commission. Accusing the EC of bias and terming it a "party office" of the BNP, they demanded its reconstitution. They also demanded the resignation of Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud.
They, along with Jamaat-e-Islami, want the election only after reforms are carried out and trial of the banned Awami League leaders.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman said the national election should be held by December this year.
"Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers," one source quoted the army chief as saying in an Officers' Address.
Yesterday morning, after holding the regular advisory council meeting at his office in Tejgaon, Yunus asked all but the advisers to leave the meeting. Then he held an almost four-hour-long meeting with the advisers, according to a government source.
During the discussion, he noted that many people were making differing comments and demands, with some suggesting that conducting the upcoming general election is the sole responsibility of the interim government.
Yunus emphasised his commitment to ensuring the best ever election in Bangladesh's history. He questioned the necessity of his role if he was unable to achieve that goal.
While advisers acknowledged his sentiment, some urged him to take a day or two before making a final call.
However, on return to his official residence, Yunus remained firm in his position, with speculations doing the rounds amid a barrage of social media posts by leaders of NCP and other political parties.
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