The announcement of election dates in Bangladesh has done little to quell the underlying doubts regarding the chief advisor’s actions. Kader Siddiqui, the founder of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, has issued a stark warning: if elections are not held in February, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus could face consequences more severe than those suffered by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus has been governing Bangladesh for a year. After Sheikh Hasina left the country, he took power, initially promising elections within six months. The delay in holding elections triggered protests from political parties, forcing Yunus to announce election dates. During the Makrai Day ceremony for Kadaria Bahini freedom fighters, Kader Siddiqui declared, “I respect Professor Yunus, but if elections are not held in February, your fate will be ten times worse than Sheikh Hasina’s.” Kader also targeted Yunus and his associate Nahid Islam, questioning the latter’s statements on the nation’s heritage and criticizing attacks on Bangladesh’s legacy, alluding to the internal government’s perceived disrespect toward Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Supporting the anti-discrimination movement, Kader stressed that Sheikh Hasina’s removal was ordained by Allah, not the machinations of individuals. He clarified that Nahid or Yunus were not responsible, but that it was a result of the public’s actions. He also asserted that he would personally oppose any attempts to wrong Sheikh Hasina.
Regarding the calls for Sheikh Hasina’s punishment, Kader stated that any judgment should be based on the law, including any necessary penalties. “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina are not the same,” he said. “As long as Bangladesh exists, ‘Joy Bangla’ will remain.” He concluded, “If anyone tries to do anything wrong against her, I will fight against it as long as I live.”
