1. Introduction:

After the July 2024 mass uprising, Bangladesh’s political situation is moving toward a deadlock. Nobel Laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assumed leadership of the post-revolutionary government. However, recent developments—particularly the sudden military attack on VP Nur on August 28—prove that the mechanisms of state control are not in his hands.

2. The Role of the Army and the President:

If one analyzes the government’s press release and the statement of ISPR following the incident, it becomes clear—

The army is currently not under the government’s control.

Formally, the army is under President Shahabuddin Chuppu, yet he is nothing more than a “puppet president” of the fallen fascist Sheikh Hasina.

The same picture is evident in the administration and the judiciary—still operating within Sheikh Hasina’s long-term fascist setup.

As a result, Dr. Yunus has not been able to establish effective control over any central organ of the state.

3. The Root Cause of the Lack of Control: Crisis of Legitimacy:

The main reason for Dr. Yunus’s lack of control is his absence of legitimacy. Without legitimacy, he cannot impose full authority over the state apparatus. Unless this legitimacy is secured, the forthcoming election will turn into a “chaotic election”—where the government will lack the capacity to enforce its own decisions.

4. The Question of Priority: Election or Restructuring of the State:

Now the fundamental question arises:
Should Dr. Muhammad Yunus hold elections first, or restructure the state?

If he proceeds directly with elections, those elections will become ineffective due to the crisis of legitimacy.

Before transferring power through elections, he must secure the formal recognition of the post-revolutionary government.

To build a legitimate state structure, the “July Charter,” the election of a Constituent Assembly, and the drafting of a new Constitution are indispensable.

5. The Solution and Future Direction:

Dr. Muhammad Yunus has two possible paths before him:

(1) To step down after holding elections:
In this case, he will organize hasty elections without full control over the state apparatus; but the outcome will be confusion and political instability.

(2) To restructure the state and attain legitimacy:

— Recognition of the July Charter,
— Election of the Constituent Assembly,
— Drafting of a new Constitution.

Once these steps are completed, his leadership will gain a strong position. His command will then be effective across every branch of the state apparatus; even the army and all others will be compelled to obey.

6. Conclusion:

Therefore, Dr. Muhammad Yunus must prioritize the restructuring of the state before anything else. Because the legitimacy of the election depends upon the legitimacy of his leadership. Without legitimacy, an election means anarchy; with legitimacy secured, the election will be stable and effective.