Muhammad Yunus will remain in his role as the leader of Bangladesh's interim government, as confirmed by an adviser in his cabinet on Saturday. This announcement follows recent speculation regarding Yunus's potential resignation, which was suggested by one of his close allies just two days prior.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud addressed reporters after an unplanned meeting of the advisory council, stating, “He [Yunus] did not indicate he would step down. He mentioned that while we face numerous challenges in fulfilling our duties, we are managing to overcome them.”

Mahmud emphasized that Yunus is “definitely staying,” and reassured that all advisers are committed to their responsibilities, stating, “We cannot abandon this significant duty.”

Yunus, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, assumed the position of chief adviser just three days after Sheikh Hasina resigned from her role as prime minister and fled to India on August 5. This occurred in the wake of extensive protests led by students against her Awami League government.

On Thursday, Yunus expressed to leaders of the National Citizen Party that he was contemplating resignation due to the prevailing circumstances, which he felt hindered his ability to work effectively. He pointed out the challenges stemming from the political parties' inability to reach a consensus for change.

In response to these concerns, members of the advisory council convened for an urgent closed-door meeting on Saturday, following a scheduled session of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council in Dhaka.

The advisory council later released a statement indicating that the two-hour meeting focused on three main responsibilities assigned to the interim government: elections, reforms, and justice.

The statement noted, “The council discussed how unreasonable demands and provocative statements have been consistently obstructing normal operations and creating confusion among the public.”

They underscored the necessity of broader unity to ensure national stability, facilitate free and fair elections, and prevent the resurgence of authoritarianism in the nation.

The council also mentioned that the interim government is open to hearing the perspectives of political parties and will clarify its stance accordingly.

“Despite all challenges, the interim government continues to prioritize national interests over group interests,” the statement added. “However, if the performance of these responsibilities becomes unmanageable due to external instigation or conspiracies, the government will inform the public and take necessary actions.”

The advisory council reiterated its commitment to the public's expectations following the July Uprising, stating that if their autonomy and reform efforts are obstructed to an unmanageable extent, they will take appropriate steps in conjunction with the people.

This development comes amid rising tensions between the interim government and the military regarding the timeline for upcoming parliamentary elections. Reports suggest that disagreements also stem from security policy issues related to a proposed humanitarian aid corridor to Myanmar's rebel-held Rakhine state.

In related news, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has urged Yunus's interim government to conduct parliamentary elections by December. They have also called for a reshuffle of Yunus's cabinet to remove “controversial advisers.”

Following the ousting of Hasina's Awami League in August, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has gained prominence in the political landscape.

“We have requested that reforms be expedited and that the national election be held by December,” stated Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the party's top policy-making committee, after meeting with the chief adviser.

Hossain also urged Yunus to outline a clear roadmap for the upcoming elections.