Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday rejected reports that claimed the country may witness a possible military coup.
Yunus said such coup ‘rumours’ are spread to destabilise Bangladesh, which has been passing through a political instability since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year amid massive student-led mass protests.
In his televised address ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebration, Yunus was quoted as saying by The Daily Star: “Whenever you hear a rumour, make sure to find its source. Do not ignore it. Many experienced military strategists are behind these rumors, and funds are poured [into the misinformation campaign].”
Bangladesh Election
Yunus said Bangladesh will vote to elect a new government between June and December.
Yunus, who took charge of the interim government after Hasina’s exit, said he wants the election to be the freest, fairest, and acceptable election in history.
“You all know who is behind [the rumours],” he said, possibly referring to Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League regime.
Misinformation Campaign
He said a misinformation campaign was initiated on social media ever since his government took charge of the country last year.
Regarding the July uprising, the Nobel laureate said, “We must remember that we are in a state of war. Rumours are the biggest weapon of the defeated side.
“Whenever you hear a rumour, make sure to find its source. Do not ignore it. Many experienced military strategists are behind these rumors, and funds are poured [into the misinformation campaign].
“Their main goal is to make the July Uprising fail. We will not let that happen. Our collective unity is making them desperate. They want to break our unity. They are cunning, and you may not even realise when you become their puppet,” he said in his address.
Political Turmoil
The July uprising in Bangladesh saw thousands of students participate in the anti-job quota movement last year, which later spiralled into a massive, violent demonstration against the former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government that had served the country for the longest period since the nation was formed in 1971.
Hasina fled to neighbouring India on August 5, 2025, leading to the fall of her government just months after she returned to power for another term following a massive win in the general polls, which was boycotted by the country’s main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
(With inputs from IBNS)
