Protests Erupt Over Dismissal Law, Military Pushes for Early Elections
Dhaka, the pulsating heart of Bangladesh, is once again ablaze with the fervor of protest. The streets, no strangers to the cries of dissent, echo with the demands of government employees, students, and citizens who have locked the gates of the Dhaka Secretariat and brought administrative machinery to a grinding halt. This time, however, the unrest is not aimed at ousting an elected government but at reclaiming the very essence of democracy in a nation teetering on the edge of political and economic chaos. The protests, sparked by a controversial amendment to the Public Service Act, signal a deeper struggle—a collective yearning to restore democratic accountability and stability in Bangladesh.
On May 26, 2025, hundreds of government employees barricaded the main gate of the Dhaka Secretariat for nearly 30 minutes, disrupting official operations in a dramatic display of defiance. The catalyst? A new amendment to the Public Service Act, introduced by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which grants authorities broader powers to dismiss public servants for misconduct. For the third consecutive day, protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until the law is repealed, arguing it threatens job security and opens the door to arbitrary dismissals. The Secretariat, a symbol of administrative power, became a battleground as employees scattered across its premises, refusing to resume work until their demands are met.
The unrest extends beyond the Secretariat. Employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation have joined the fray, demanding the appointment of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Ishraque Hossain as mayor, in line with a court order the interim government has contested. These protests, as reported on X, underscore a broader discontent with the interim administration’s decisions, which many perceive as lacking legitimacy or public mandate. The streets of Dhaka, once the epicenter of the July 2024 uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are again alive with the spirit of resistance, but the stakes now are different. This is not a revolt against autocracy but a clarion call for democratic restoration.
The interim government, sworn in on August 8, 2024, under Yunus’s leadership, was initially hailed as a beacon of hope. Following weeks of violent protests that claimed over 300 lives and forced Hasina to flee to India, Yunus was tasked with steering Bangladesh toward free and fair elections by late 2025 or early 2026. Yet, nine months into its tenure, the administration faces mounting criticism for its handling of critical issues, from electoral delays to economic mismanagement. The amended Public Service Act is seen by many as a misstep, further eroding trust in an unelected government struggling to balance reform with stability.
Adding fuel to the fire is the reported rift between the interim government and the military, a powerful force in Bangladesh’s political landscape. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, who played a pivotal role in Hasina’s ouster by refusing to intervene against protesters, has emerged as a vocal critic of the interim administration. In a recent address to officers in Dhaka Cantonment, Zaman urged for national elections by December 2025, warning that prolonged military deployment for civil duties could compromise national defense. His remarks, delivered in the presence of top officers in combat uniform, signal a growing unease within the armed forces. Zaman’s opposition to initiatives like the proposed “humanitarian corridor” to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the potential foreign management of Chattogram Port, and the introduction of Starlink internet services underscores a deeper concern: the interim government’s decisions lack the legitimacy of an elected mandate.
The General’s insistence that “only an elected government can bring political stability” resonates with a populace weary of uncertainty. His warnings against decisions that could compromise national sovereignty, such as the Chattogram Port deal or Starlink’s entry, reflect a broader fear of external influence in Bangladesh’s affairs. Posts on X have amplified these concerns, with some users speculating about a potential military coup, though such claims remain unsubstantiated. The military’s visible presence in Dhaka, coupled with Zaman’s public statements, has heightened tensions, raising questions about the delicate balance between civilian and military authority.
Economic woes further complicate the crisis. Bangladesh’s textile industry, which accounts for 84% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, is reeling from the political upheaval. Business leader Showkat Aziz Russell’s stark warning—“People are being killed like in the 1971 war. We can’t pay Eid bonuses, joblessness is growing, and foreign investors are pulling back”—paints a grim picture of an economy on the brink. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and other business bodies have sounded the alarm on a potential economic collapse, exacerbated by the interim government’s perceived inability to stabilize the situation. The introduction of Starlink, intended to ensure reliable internet access, has been met with skepticism, with critics like Zaman arguing it poses national security risks.
The protests also reflect a broader societal fracture. The interim government’s decision to release convicted Islamist radicals and Bangladesh Rifles mutineers has sparked outrage, particularly within the military, which lost 57 officers in the 2009 uprising. Meanwhile, minority communities, particularly Hindus, have faced violence, with over 2,010 reported attacks since Hasina’s resignation. The interim government’s efforts to address these issues, such as increasing holidays for Durga Puja, have done little to quell fears of communal unrest.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a palpable desire for democratic renewal. The student-led uprising of July 2024, which began as a protest against civil service job quotas, evolved into a broader demand for an inclusive, corruption-free government. The Anti-discrimination Students Movement, which spearheaded the “July Revolution,” articulated a vision for a Bangladesh free from autocracy and nepotism. That vision remains unfulfilled, as the interim government grapples with its limited mandate and internal divisions. The resignation of key student leader Nahid Islam from the cabinet, coupled with the formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), signals growing disillusionment with Yunus’s leadership.
The path forward is fraught with challenges. Rushing elections without addressing systemic issues like electoral integrity risks repeating past mistakes, while delays could reignite public frustration. The interim government must navigate these tensions while restoring public trust and stabilizing the economy. The European Union and other international actors have called for a democratic transition, emphasizing the need for inclusive reforms and accountability for past human rights abuses.
Dhaka’s streets are not just a battleground for immediate grievances but a crucible for Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations. The protests, though disruptive, are a testament to the resilience of a people determined to shape their future. The nation stands at a crossroads: it can either succumb to prolonged instability or seize this moment to build a more inclusive, accountable democracy. General Waker-Uz-Zaman’s call for early elections and the protesters’ demands for fairness reflect a shared goal—restoring the people’s voice in governance.
As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent chapter, the world watches closely. The interim government must heed the lessons of the past, ensuring that the sacrifices of the July Revolution pave the way for a democratic revival. Let Dhaka’s unrest be the spark that ignites not chaos but a renewed commitment to democracy. Let the will of the people prevail, and let democracy flourish once more in Bangladesh.
