Faced with mounting domestic challenges, Mohammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh's interim government, conceived a dangerous scheme in early May to shift public attention from his administration's failures. His strategy involved engineering limited skirmishes along the Indo-Bangladesh border, aiming to unite the populace under a banner of nationalism and strengthen his grip on power by deflecting calls for early elections.
Strategic Calculations
Yunus believed that orchestrating a confrontation with India would distract citizens from escalating domestic issues. He anticipated that the ensuing nationalistic fervor would bolster his support, allowing him to maintain authority amid rising dissent. Sources indicate that he collaborated with the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and leaders of the newly formed Jatiyo Nagorik Party to finalize this plan.
Military Consultation and Execution
Key to Yunus' strategy was the involvement of military officials, including National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman and Army Quarter-Master General Lieutenant General Mohammad Faizur Rahman. This collaboration occurred around the time India initiated 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan. The plan involved leveraging the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to provoke the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), with back-up support from army units.
Proposed Aggression Along the Border
With India preoccupied with Pakistan, Yunus and his associates believed they could exploit this distraction to instigate border tensions. The BGB was instructed to adopt an aggressive posture, potentially sparking confrontations with the BSF. Past incidents had already seen the BGB adopt a combative stance, objecting to Indian border constructions and even crossing into Indian territory.
Army Chief's Intervention
However, the scheme quickly came to the attention of Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman. After consulting senior military officials, he vehemently opposed Yunus' plan, warning that any escalation along the border would be reckless and could spiral out of control. He asserted that the BGB, as an auxiliary force, was under his command and that he would not tolerate any independent directives from the government.
Political Backlash and Consequences
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also became aware of Yunus' intentions and expressed strong opposition, cautioning him against endangering national stability. Faced with significant resistance from both the military and political spheres, Yunus eventually abandoned his plans.
Underlying Motivations for the Plot
Yunus' scheme was a desperate attempt to divert attention from increasing domestic unrest, characterized by rising crime rates, inflation, and widespread dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance. Despite support from certain political factions, public sentiment remained largely critical. The army chief’s decisive intervention thwarted a potentially dangerous escalation, underscoring the delicate balance of power in Bangladesh.
By recognizing the grave implications of Yunus' strategy, General Waker-uz-Zaman has emerged as a crucial figure in maintaining national stability amid a turbulent political landscape.
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