In a swift reversal, the caretaker government in Bangladesh has reinstated a senior aide to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, just two days after accepting his resignation. This action has staved off what would have been the second high-profile departure from the administration within a span of ten days, highlighting the ongoing political challenges.
A Quick Reversal of Fortunes
The cabinet division, through an official gazette notification issued on Tuesday night, had announced that the resignation of Dr. Sayedur Rahman, the Special Assistant to Yunus for the Health Ministry, had been accepted by the President. However, in a surprising turn of events, a fresh notification was released on Thursday, confirming his reinstatement to the post.
Dr. Rahman, the former Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), was originally appointed to his role as special assistant in November 2024. His brief exit and rapid return have become a focal point of the current political narrative in Dhaka.
Context of Recent Resignations
This reinstatement comes directly on the heels of another significant resignation that shook the interim government. On December 24, Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, who served as the Special Assistant to Muhammad Yunus for the Home Ministry, stepped down from his position.
Chowdhury's resignation was reported to be linked to the large-scale violence that had erupted across the country, posing a major law and order challenge for the caretaker setup. The back-to-back incidents involving top officials had sparked concerns about stability within the advisory ranks of the interim administration.
Implications for Governance
The government's decision to bring back Dr. Sayedur Rahman is widely seen as a move to project continuity and prevent further erosion of authority. The potential loss of two key aides in such quick succession would have been a significant blow to the chief adviser's team, which is tasked with steering the country through a complex period.
This episode underscores the delicate balance and internal pressures within Bangladesh's current political framework. The interim government's ability to manage its senior personnel and respond to crises is under intense scrutiny from both domestic observers and the international community.
