As Unrest Returns to Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus Calls 'Students Uprising' a 'Coup' That Led to Sheikh Hasina's Ouster

Bangladesh Government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus referred to the recent wave of student uprisings in the country as a "coup."

He made this remark during a key reform meeting at the State Guest House on Monday.

In a post on X, the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh shared details about the discussions held during the meeting.

"The Bangladesh we got after such a big coup should not remain the same Bangladesh," the post stated, quoting Yunus, who chaired the meeting of the Consensus Commission held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

Without directly naming the student protest movement, Yunus hinted at how he perceived the demonstrations held earlier this year, which led to the downfall of the previous Sheikh Hasina government.

This statement comes amid the ongoing political crisis gripping Bangladesh and growing speculation about Yunus’s possible exit from his role in government.

This is the first time a senior government official has commented on the student uprising, which many in Bangladesh had previously lauded as a pro-democracy movement.

Yunus’s characterization of the movement as a "coup" has taken many by surprise.

Critics argue that his choice of words risks delegitimizing the role of the youth in catalyzing political change in the country.

The Chief Adviser’s post also mentioned his suggestion to increase public involvement in the reform process and the upcoming general elections.

"...the Chief Adviser suggested increasing public awareness by involving civil society and grassroots organizations in the reform process and elections, alongside political parties," the post read.

Quoting Yunus further, the post stated, "People need to be made election-oriented. Citizens must be made aware that no one can snatch the ballot box. We must bring discipline, and we must organize safe elections with the people."

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