Dhaka (Agencies): According to Indian Media outlets, Bangladesh is facing unprecedented political turmoil, with reports suggesting that Chittagong Port, a Myanmar transit corridor, and St. Martin’s Island could be handed over to the United States as part of a broader geopolitical shift.
The crisis stems from Muhammad Yunus’s alleged push to establish a “Second Republic”, effectively nullifying Bangladesh’s 1972 Constitution. His proposed July Declaration could transform his interim government into a revolutionary regime, granting him unchecked authority to dismiss President Muhammad Shahabuddin and Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman.
Critics warn that Yunus’s actions could lead to Bangladesh becoming a radical Islamic state, with the formation of an Islamic Revolutionary Army (IRA) replacing the existing Bangladesh Armed Forces.
- Concerns Over Foreign Influence
Reports indicate that Yunus is negotiating deals to lease Chittagong Port to DP World, establish a US military base on St. Martin’s Island, and offer a transit corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Additionally, control over Lalmonirhat Airport and the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory could be transferred to US interests via Pakistani or Turkish intermediaries, raising security concerns for India.
- UN’s Alleged Role in the Crisis
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) released a report in February 2025, detailing lynchings, assassinations, and violence linked to jihadist factions allegedly coordinated by Yunus. Despite this, UN officials have reportedly discouraged military intervention, warning Bangladesh’s armed forces that their peacekeeping missions could be jeopardized if they acted against Yunus’s regime.
- Military’s Role in Preventing Destabilization
Observers argue that the Bangladesh Armed Forces must act decisively to prevent the country from falling into radicalization and foreign control. If no action is taken, Bangladesh risks becoming a battleground for proxy wars, driven by foreign interests and Islamist factions.