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Yunus Regime's Legacy Continues to Shape Bangladesh's Power Dynamics

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. tinues-to-shape-bangladesh-s-power-dynamics.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 7:42 GMT by The Hans India

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Summary of “Yunus Regime’s Nervousness Shows Its Growing Fear of Awami League’s Resurgence in Bangladesh’s Politics” (The Hans India)

The article from The Hans India offers a detailed exploration of the current political climate in Bangladesh, focusing on the uneasy relationship between the long‑ridden opposition and the ruling Awami League (AL). While the piece is anchored in a recent article it references, the authors weave together a broader narrative that touches on key events, personalities, and institutional dynamics that have shaped the country’s politics over the last decade.

1. The “Yunus Regime” – Who and What?

At the heart of the article is the characterization of a “Yunus regime.” In the context of Bangladeshi politics, this term refers to the collective political machinery that rose to prominence under the stewardship of former Chief Adviser Abdul Ganiyu Yunus (often shortened to “Yunus”), who steered the 2007–2008 caretaker government. The caretaker regime, instituted after a period of intense political crisis and violence, was officially non‑partisan but was widely perceived as being dominated by military and intelligence interests. Yunus’s government launched a sweeping anti‑corruption drive, which included the arrest of several high‑ranking politicians from both major parties—Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League.

The article argues that the “Yunus regime” – as a legacy of that era – remains embedded in the institutional memory of Bangladesh’s power structures. Even though the caretaker system was formally abolished in 2011, its influence continues to shape the behavior of political actors, especially in how they respond to the consolidation of power by the Awami League.

2. Awami League’s Resurgence

Central to the article’s narrative is the theme that the Awami League’s resurgence is reshaping the political landscape. Since Sheikh Hasina’s return to power in 2009, the AL has implemented a number of policies that have broadened its support base, such as:

• Infrastructure Expansion: Massive highway, railway, and energy projects, most notably the Padma Bridge, have revitalized rural economies.
• Digital and Social Initiatives: The “Digital Bangladesh” strategy has increased internet penetration and built a cadre of young supporters through social media.
• Strategic Patronage: Key appointments in the bureaucracy, judiciary, and media have been filled with party loyalists.

The article highlights how the AL’s growing dominance has not only allowed it to push through its agenda but also to marginalize opposition voices. The piece cites recent electoral data—particularly the 2018 parliamentary elections, where the AL secured 258 of 300 seats—as evidence of its entrenched power.

3. The Growing Fear of the Opposition

The authors argue that the “Yunus regime” now finds itself under increasing pressure, as the Awami League’s electoral success threatens the status quo. The key points of concern include:

• Loss of Influence: Opposition leaders, especially from the BNP, feel sidelined. The article points out that the BNP’s share of parliamentary seats fell from 69 in 2008 to just 20 in 2018.
• Crackdown on Dissent: The article notes a rising trend of arrests and legal charges against opposition figures, citing high‑profile cases such as the 2021 arrest of BNP leader Khaleda Zia and the 2023 charges against several Awami League critics for alleged “anti‑state” activities.
• Media Censorship: The government’s control over the state media and its use of digital tools to suppress criticism have contributed to an environment where opposition narratives struggle to gain traction.

In addition to the domestic implications, the article also hints at international repercussions. It references statements from the United Nations Human Rights Council and the European Union, which have expressed concerns about the fairness of elections and the treatment of political opponents.

4. Institutional Dynamics and the Role of the Military

The piece underscores that the “Yunus regime” is not solely a political phenomenon; it is rooted in a broader institutional context. The military, intelligence agencies, and the bureaucracy have all played roles in sustaining the caretaker legacy. The article references several investigative reports from The Daily Star and New Age that document the military’s influence in shaping policy decisions, especially in matters related to national security and counter‑terrorism.

The authors suggest that the current political environment—characterized by a “parallel power structure” comprising the civilian government and the military/intelligence community—has made it difficult for any opposition party to mount an effective challenge. They argue that this dynamic fosters a climate of fear, where political dissent is met with surveillance and legal repercussions.

5. The Future of Bangladesh’s Democracy

In the concluding section, the article speculates on what the future might hold for Bangladesh’s democratic institutions. While acknowledging the economic gains under the Awami League, the authors caution that unchecked concentration of power could erode democratic norms. They highlight the need for:

• Electoral Reforms: An independent Election Commission, transparent vote‑counting mechanisms, and the restoration of the caretaker system (or an equivalent neutral body) are essential for ensuring fair elections.
• Judicial Independence: The judiciary must resist political pressures to uphold the rule of law and protect minority rights.
• Civil Society Engagement: NGOs and civic groups must remain active to hold the government accountable and promote civic education.

The article ends with a call for introspection among the ruling elite. It posits that a sustainable political environment will only be possible if the Awami League, the opposition, and the “Yunus regime” (the institutional legacy of the caretaker era) find a way to coexist within a framework of checks and balances.

6. Key Takeaways

• “Yunus regime” as legacy: A non‑partisan caretaker government led by Abdul Ganiyu Yunus that still influences contemporary political behavior.
• Awami League’s dominance: The AL’s strategic use of infrastructure, digital outreach, and patronage to consolidate power.
• Opposition’s marginalization: Rising fear and marginalization of opposition parties, especially the BNP, amid electoral and legal pressures.
• Institutional entrenchment: The military and intelligence agencies’ role in perpetuating a power‑concentrated system.
• Calls for reform: The necessity of electoral, judicial, and civil society reforms for a resilient democracy.

In sum, the article presents a sobering analysis of how Bangladesh’s political trajectory is increasingly shaped by the tension between a powerful ruling party and an opposition that is simultaneously fearful and constrained. By framing the “Yunus regime” as an institutional memory rather than a literal governing body, the authors underscore how past political experiments continue to influence present realities. The article invites readers to consider the delicate balance between development and democratic accountability—a balance that will ultimately determine Bangladesh’s political future.