Bangladesh Chief Advisor Yunus Mulls Resignation

Frustrated over recent developments, Bangladesh's interim government chief Prof Muhammad Yunus is considering stepping down as he is finding it difficult to work given political parties failing to reach a common ground to bring about a change in the country, media reports said on Friday.

- MPOST BUREAU

DHAKA:

During unofficial discussions at an advisory council meeting, he voiced his desire to resign and address the nation through a televised speech. He talked about his worries over aspersions on his government's performance and duties, sources were quoted as having said in media reports.

Student-led National Citizen Party chief Nahid Islam was quoted by BBC Bangla Service that the Chief Advisor is apprehensive about the evolving political situation in the country and whether he will be able to carry on with his work.

"He (Yunus) said he is thinking about it (resignation). He feels that the situation is such that he cannot work," Islam said on Thursday night after he met with the 84-year-old leader.

The day about the speculation of his resignation.

"Sir (Yunus) said, 'If I T can't work... I was brought here after a mass uprising to bring change and reform to the country. But in the current situation, with mounting pressure from movements and the way I'm being cornered, this isn't how I can work," Islam told the BBC Bangla Another media report referring to unnamed sources close to Yunus said he actually threatened to resign if political parties do not give him their backing and expressed his desire to quit at a cabinet or advisory council meeting earlier on Thursday. It said the other advisers, effectively ministers, however, persuaded him not to do so.

Islam told the BBC that he urged Yunus "to stay strong for the sake of the country's security, and future and to meet the expectations of the mass uprising' (and) I hope everyone will cooperate with him".