Yunus’ ‘resignation thoughts’: What Indian media are reporting

Indian news outlets have weighed in on reports that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is “contemplating resignation”, framing the development through varying political and geopolitical lenses.

Most Indian media, like their Bangladeshi counterparts, cited BBC Bangla’s report quoting National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam, who said Yunus had expressed doubts about his ability to continue in the role under the current political pressure.

However, some Indian reports have gone beyond the BBC account, ranging from Starlink’s entry into Bangladesh to the demolition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Dhanmondi house and the proposal for a “humanitarian corridor”.

Some reports claim that Yunus had even prepared a draft of a national address covering “overall matters”.

Several outlets, including Hindustan Times and The Hindu, characterised the situation as a “power struggle” between Yunus and Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman over the timing of the next general election.

The Hindu headlined its report: “Army Chief General Zaman vs Chief Adviser Yunus: Power Struggle in Bangladesh over timing of election.” It claimed General Waker criticised recent decisions by Yunus as deviating from the original interim consensus, citing remarks made during an address to commanding officers.

The Times of India took a more speculative tone, asking: “Bangladesh interim chief Muhammad Yunus on his way out?”

India Today adopted a more sensational approach, warning of renewed unrest. Under the headline “Yunus threatens resignation, massive protests likely to rock Dhaka yet again,” it reported that student leaders were mobilising youth and Islamist groups to march toward the Cantonment.

The article alleged that recent actions—ranging from banning the Awami League to halting women’s reform initiatives and vandalising Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Dhanmondi residence—had taken place under the influence of student groups, often with Yunus’s “tacit approval”.

Kolkata-based Anandabazar Patrika published two reports, one of which quoted Nahid as saying Yunus wanted to step down. The second report claimed Yunus had even drafted a national address outlining his reasons for stepping aside and proposing the formation of a new interim government, though the speech has reportedly been postponed.

Anandabazar wrote: “According to several Bangladeshi outlets, Yunus voiced deep frustration during his Thursday meeting with interim advisors, questioning whether the political conditions still allowed him to govern.”