What Next for Dr Yunus?
A Yunus presidency could arguably benefit Bangladesh considerably. Despite domestic criticism from certain groups, he continues to command considerable respect internationally, and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature
Whilst it seems polls have suggested that Muhammad Yunus and the interim government remained popular throughout its 18 months in power, at least amongst civil society in Dhaka and its social elite there was rarely a good word said about him.
Before July/August 2024, the country's elite civil society respected Yunus, but did not necessarily warm to him. Now he has -- rightly or wrongly -- also lost a lot of that respect.
In part that is the nature of governing, as it forces leaders to make a lot of difficult decisions. Reform, accountability, and stability are objectives that do not always sit comfortably together, and in attempting to balance them, Yunus inevitably alienated some who had initially placed hope in his leadership.
And in part, it is because Yunus did make some controversial calls.
Amongst them was his perceived closeness to the student and populist movements which created the impression -- fair or not -- that he had inappropriately allied with them.
At the same time, his government’s apparent tolerance of widespread arbitrary detentions under its watch raised very uncomfortable questions about civil liberties and due process. For a figure long associated with ethical leadership and social justice, these allegations struck at the heart of his public image.
That said, Yunus does not appear overly concerned with elite opinion, particularly if he believes -- as he may do -- that many within civil society failed to defend him when he himself was under pressure during the Awami League’s time in power. Moreover, he is aware that he has cultivated new alliances and friends.
In their meeting in London, Tarique Rahman reportedly offered Yunus the post of the presidency if BNP came to power. Whether explicitly stated or implicitly conveyed, the possibility was clearly raised.
Those close to Yunus deny that he is interested in such a role -- even assuming the offer remains open -- suggesting instead that he intends to return to the type of work that defined his earlier career.
Moreover, with the proposed constitutional changes giving more powers to the post of President, Rahman may now realise he wants someone more compliant, something which Yunus is unlikely to be.
Nevertheless, a Yunus presidency could arguably benefit Bangladesh considerably. Despite domestic criticism from certain groups, he continues to command considerable respect internationally, and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature.
Before July/August 2024, the country's elite civil society respected Yunus, but did not necessarily warm to him. Now he has -- rightly or wrongly -- also lost a lot of that respect.
In part that is the nature of governing, as it forces leaders to make a lot of difficult decisions. Reform, accountability, and stability are objectives that do not always sit comfortably together, and in attempting to balance them, Yunus inevitably alienated some who had initially placed hope in his leadership.
And in part, it is because Yunus did make some controversial calls.
Amongst them was his perceived closeness to the student and populist movements which created the impression -- fair or not -- that he had inappropriately allied with them.
At the same time, his government’s apparent tolerance of widespread arbitrary detentions under its watch raised very uncomfortable questions about civil liberties and due process. For a figure long associated with ethical leadership and social justice, these allegations struck at the heart of his public image.
That said, Yunus does not appear overly concerned with elite opinion, particularly if he believes -- as he may do -- that many within civil society failed to defend him when he himself was under pressure during the Awami League’s time in power. Moreover, he is aware that he has cultivated new alliances and friends.
In their meeting in London, Tarique Rahman reportedly offered Yunus the post of the presidency if BNP came to power. Whether explicitly stated or implicitly conveyed, the possibility was clearly raised.
Those close to Yunus deny that he is interested in such a role -- even assuming the offer remains open -- suggesting instead that he intends to return to the type of work that defined his earlier career.
Moreover, with the proposed constitutional changes giving more powers to the post of President, Rahman may now realise he wants someone more compliant, something which Yunus is unlikely to be.
Nevertheless, a Yunus presidency could arguably benefit Bangladesh considerably. Despite domestic criticism from certain groups, he continues to command considerable respect internationally, and no other Bangladeshi figure possesses comparable global stature.
A domestic focused Prime Minister operating with an internationally-minded President could be what the country needs.
David Bergman is a journalist who has written widely on Bangladesh. He can be contacted on twitter @TheDavidBergman.
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