Bangladesh in Crisis: Strikes, Lockdowns, and Economic Paralysis—Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Says Nation in 'War-like Situation'
Dhaka | May 26, 2025
Bangladesh is grappling with a deepening crisis marked by widespread strikes, factory shutdowns, and a government struggling to pay salaries. With national elections delayed and political uncertainty looming, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus has described the situation as akin to a "war-like" emergency.
Speaking to local media, Yunus, the head of the proposed interim government, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating economic and political landscape. “The country is passing through a phase that resembles a war-time emergency. People are suffering, industries are collapsing, and governance has come to a standstill,” he said.
Garment factories—the backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy—have remained closed for days amid protests and wage disputes. Workers are demanding unpaid wages while factory owners cite an acute cash crunch due to policy deadlock and declining foreign investments.
The political paralysis has also cast doubt over the conduct of national elections, originally scheduled for later this year. Without a functioning electoral process, governance and administrative functions have further eroded, pushing the country toward potential instability.
India, a close neighbor and key trading partner, is reportedly monitoring the developments closely, as the crisis could have regional implications, including disruptions in cross-border trade and a surge in migration pressures.
International observers have urged all political stakeholders in Bangladesh to come together for dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the impasse. The coming weeks are likely to be critical in determining whether the country can recover from its current turmoil or spiral deeper into chaos.
