CA Yunus is not resigning; we are not leaving: Planning adviser after closed-door meeting

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is not stepping down, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said today (24 May) following a closed-door meeting of the Advisory Council at the National Economic Council.

"He [Yunus] didn't say he will leave. He said we're facing many obstacles in fulfilling our responsibilities, but we're working to overcome them. He's definitely staying," Wahiduddin told reporters.

Rejecting speculation about a mass resignation, he said, "We're not going anywhere. The responsibility entrusted to us is crucial – the country's future depends on it. We cannot abandon this duty."

The planning adviser acknowledged that various ministries and quarters were obstructing reform efforts. "We discussed these barriers and are trying to identify their sources. Even in preparing the groundwork for the next election and a well-governed democratic system, we're facing hurdles."

Wahiduddin said the core task of the interim government is to ensure a smooth transition to democratic governance. "We are calling on all pro-uprising forces, political parties, the administration, judiciary, and all state institutions for support." 

He said some advisers, including himself, had been urged to resign by different groups. However, he dismissed these as individual calls rather than political party demands. 

"This government came into being with the support of all pro-uprising forces. Any controversy surrounding individual advisers is unhelpful. None of us are here by choice, nor is this an enjoyable task."

On 21 May, Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens Party Nasiruddin Patwari called for the resignation of Advisers Asif Nazrul, Salehuddin Ahmed, and Wahiduddin, accusing them of favouring the BNP.

BNP leader and Dhaka South Mayor-elect Ishraque Hossain also demanded the resignation of Advisers Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam, over the neutrality of the interim government.

When asked whether the Advisory Council meeting discussed an election roadmap, Wahiduddin declined to answer.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Yunus, began at 12:20pm following the weekly Ecnec session. Nineteen advisers attended the closed-door discussion.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, left midway, citing urgent commitments. Speaking to reporters, she confirmed discussions on the national election, reforms, and the proposed July Charter, and said a press briefing would follow the meeting to share its outcomes. 

She declined to comment on rumours of Muhammad Yunus' resignation.

Chief Adviser Yunus reportedly expressed frustration in a separate unannounced four-hour meeting with advisers on 22 May, where he said the government's work was being impeded by political interference and a lack of cooperation.