Dhaka: In Bangladesh, rumors of a coup have spread rapidly on social media, fueled by recent political events and the increased deployment of military and security forces, particularly in Dhaka.
While these rumors have gained momentum, both Bangladesh’s interim leader, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman have remained silent, not addressing the growing speculation.
Over the last 24 hours, these rumors have escalated, creating a tense atmosphere regarding the nation’s political future.
General Waqar Uz Zaman is believed to be at the center of the swirling rumors, as the interim government led by Yunus faces increasing protests.
The Army Chief has voiced concerns about the worsening law and order situation in Dhaka, with some interpreting his remarks as signs of dissatisfaction with the current political leadership.
These concerns have sparked discussions about the possibility of military intervention, especially as security forces have been deployed across key locations.
Speculation about a military takeover has intensified, partly due to reports of meetings involving the Army Chief and his senior officers.
These meetings, along with statements from government officials, suggest that General Zaman might be losing patience with the political leadership, particularly over the growing security challenges.
He has also sounded alarms about rising terrorism threats in the country, urging the government to take stronger measures to ensure national security.
Despite these developments, Nasimul Haque Gani, Bangladesh’s Home Secretary, has dismissed talk of a coup or an emergency declaration as mere “gossip.”
However, there have been earlier reports, particularly from India, suggesting that General Zaman himself may have been at risk of a coup attempt from within the military, driven by officers with pro-Pakistani leanings.
For now, it appears that General Zaman remains firmly in control of the armed forces.
Amidst these rumors, there have been claims that a new interim government could be formed, with the Army Chief allegedly conspiring with President Mohammed Shahbuddin.
Asaduzzaman Fuad, the General Secretary of the student-led Aamar Bangladesh Party, has accused General Zaman of attempting to create a new government structure with the backing of figures loyal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Fuad warned that any such attempt would be met with strong opposition from groups that previously supported Hasina, citing the death of student activist Abu Syed during pro-reform protests in 2024.
Adding to the tension, there are rumors that Fuad may soon be arrested, though the Aamar Bangladesh Party has denied these claims.
This has further fueled speculation about a military takeover as a means of restoring order and dealing with the country’s growing security challenges.
A recent video of General Zaman’s speech from last month has gone viral, adding to the uncertainty. In the speech, he warned the nation of the potential collapse of the country’s freedom if political divisions continued to escalate.
He expressed frustration with the ongoing political crisis, stating that his only goal was to leave a stable nation behind before retiring.
His comments were interpreted by many as a sign of his discontent with the current situation, and some saw them as a veiled warning about the military stepping in.
The combination of these political tensions, the Army Chief’s remarks, and the growing security concerns has led many to question whether Bangladesh is on the brink of a military intervention.
With increasing unrest, both within the political sphere and in the streets, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether these rumors of a coup will prove true or if the situation will stabilize under the current leadership.
