A major showdown is brewing in Bangladesh. Like pieces on a chessboard, key players are taking their positions.

On the one side is Muhammad Yunus, whose unelected regime continues to govern without elections. On the other is the military, led by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, who is demanding polls without further delay. The clash between them is growing increasingly confrontational.

Yunus is under mounting pressure to hold elections. Political parties, including the dominant Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), are closing ranks against him. Meanwhile, the military’s patience is wearing thin. Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman recently issued a sharp public warning, stating, “Bangladesh needs political stability. This is only possible through an elected government, not by unelected decision-makers. The army is meant for defending the nation, not for policing. We must return to our barracks after the election."

The trigger for this escalation seems to be Yunus’ proposal for the Rakhine Corridor—a passage from Cox’s Bazar to the state of Rakhine in Myanmar. The United States is pushing for this corridor under the pretext of humanitarian aid. But General Waker has called it a “bloody corridor," fearing it could serve as a launchpad for military logistics or proxy operations in Myanmar. The corridor, he warned, endangers national sovereignty and risks dragging Bangladesh into conflicts with both the Burmese junta and regional militant groups.

The army has made its red lines clear: “We will not compromise on issues related to the corridor, national security, and national sovereignty."

Despite alleged attempts by the U.S. to win over General Waker, he remains unconvinced. His recent visit to Russia, along with his resistance to Yunus’ attempts to cosy up to Pakistan, China, and the U.S., in the current manner, speaks volumes. Waker has now called for elections by December 2025, making it clear that Yunus’ time is running out.

Meanwhile, Yunus is believed to be plotting a counter-move by engaging with other senior military officials. One such figure is Lieutenant General Faizur Rahman, reportedly aligned with Pakistani interests. Rahman has allegedly held meetings to sway the military away from Waker. However, sources indicate that Waker got wind of this and placed Rahman under surveillance.

Since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 last year,........

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