South Asia Watch: Bangladesh Interim Govt Undermines Army, Risks Foreign Militarisation at Border

Bangladesh's interim government, under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, faces growing criticism for actions that severely undermine the army's operational capabilities, jeopardise national security, and risk the dangerous foreign militarisation of sensitive humanitarian corridors near its borders. This deteriorating situation raises serious concerns for regional stability, especially for India's strategic interests.

Since taking office, Yunus's administration has significantly strained civil-military relations. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has repeatedly criticised the interim government's unilateral decision-making on sensitive issues, notably the proposed humanitarian corridor connecting Bangladesh's Chittagong port to Myanmar's conflict-torn Rakhine State. Military officials warn that without army oversight, such corridors become susceptible to exploitation by foreign powers like the United States, China, and various Western NGOs, potentially enabling covert intelligence activities or even soft military operations under the guise of humanitarian assistance.

Historically, corridors established in Syria, Libya, and Afghanistan evolved into intelligence-gathering outposts and smuggling routes for arms and insurgents. Security experts fear that Bangladesh now faces similar risks, especially given Yunus's readiness to greenlight US-backed projects, such as the controversial Starlink satellite deployment, without adequate military vetting. The army views these actions as direct threats to national sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflecting civilian leadership's troubling susceptibility to external pressures.

Compounding these concerns are significant governance failures. Yunus's controversial decision to release around 400 convicted Islamist militants and over 200 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) mutineers, ostensibly for national reconciliation, has alarmed military commanders who fear these individuals might bolster extremist networks. This step has further demoralised the armed forces, severely damaging internal security cohesion.

The government's decision to sharply reduce the defence budget in fiscal 2025-26 has intensified these challenges, severely restricting modernisation initiatives and reducing military responsiveness. Consequently, the army faces acute operational stress at critical border points, especially near Bandarban and Cox's Bazar, where Myanmar insurgents continue cross-border attacks, planting landmines and conducting raids against Bangladesh territory, creating a humanitarian and security crisis.

Moreover, the interim administration's provocative decision to deploy Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India's strategically critical "chicken neck" corridor escalates regional tensions unnecessarily. India has responded by enhancing border surveillance and temporarily suspending a transhipment facility for Bangladesh-actions reflecting its grave security concerns.

Analysts emphasise that a professionally autonomous and cohesive Bangladesh Army is vital for South Asian stability. With increased regional instability, notably Myanmar-linked insurgencies and cross-border extremism, Bangladesh's weakened military capability poses immediate threats to India's Northeastern states, exacerbating regional tensions.

Alarmed by Yunus's actions, regional stakeholders are now advocating strongly for a comprehensive national debate and an urgent policy reevaluation in Dhaka. Civil society leaders and defence experts insist that Bangladesh must restore civil-military harmony and recalibrate its foreign and security policies in a transparent manner. Only through robust diplomatic engagement with neighbours-particularly India-and strict regulation of humanitarian corridors can Bangladesh avoid external manipulation of its sovereign territory.

Historical experiences, such as the disastrous 2009 BDR mutiny triggered by civilian-military discord, reinforce the urgent need for cohesive governance. Bangladesh today faces a similar crossroads. The interim government must decisively address internal friction, reassert sovereignty over humanitarian initiatives, and proactively engage regional partners diplomatically.

Bangladesh stands at a crucial juncture-whether it emerges as a stable, sovereign nation or descends into foreign-driven instability depends critically on immediate and responsible action by Yunus's interim administration.