Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Speculation of a possible military coup in Bangladesh is swirling on social media after heightened security deployments, army meetings, and renewed public warnings from Army Chief General Wakar Uz Zaman. Though no official confirmation has emerged, the political atmosphere in Dhaka remains tense as murmurs grow louder about rising friction between the military and the interim government.
The unrest follows a weekend of closed-door meetings between the Army Chief and his top aides, reportedly focused on growing extremism and deteriorating law and order. General Zaman has warned of potential terrorist threats and called for heightened vigilance, triggering speculation that the military could be preparing to intervene amid ongoing protests against Interim Leader Md Yunus.
Army Leadership Under Scrutiny
In recent weeks, rumours have surfaced claiming General Zaman himself faced internal dissent from officers with alleged pro-Pakistan leanings, although sources suggest he continues to maintain strong control over the armed forces.
Neither General Zaman nor Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who currently leads the caretaker administration, have publicly addressed the coup rumours. But the silence has done little to quell the speculation.
Adding to the uncertainty, a video of General Zaman’s fiery speech from last month has resurfaced online. In it, the Army Chief warned, “If you keep fighting each other and killing each other, the country’s freedom will go in vain. I want to take leave only after placing the country in a good position. I have had enough over the last seven to eight months.” The speech, widely circulated on social media, is now being viewed in a new light.
Denials, Accusations, and Political Rhetoric
Home Secretary Nasimul Haque Gani dismissed the growing speculation, calling it “gossip” and insisting there is no emergency declaration under consideration. However, opposition voices have intensified their criticism, accusing the army of plotting a backdoor return to power.
Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the student-led Aamar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), alleged a conspiracy between General Zaman and President Mohammed Shahabuddin to install a new military-backed interim government. Fuad accused Shahabuddin of acting on behalf of exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“If you try to run the country with Shahabuddin, lakhs of Abu Syeds will sacrifice their lives to stop you,” Fuad said in a charged statement, referring to a slain student protester whose death during the July 2024 anti-government uprising led to Hasina’s ouster.
Amid reports of Fuad’s arrest, the AB Party has denied that he is in custody, even as the possibility of a military-led clampdown on dissent continues to circulate.
A Nation On Edge
The uncertainty in Bangladesh has sparked fears among citizens and observers alike. The combination of political unrest, threats of extremism, and the military’s assertive posture has made Dhaka a focal point for regional security concerns. While no formal action has been taken by the army, the buildup in rhetoric and deployment is being closely watched.
The next few days could prove decisive as Bangladesh navigates a volatile transition period with public protests intensifying and institutional confidence wavering.
