Muhammad Yunus’s Dream Will Not Be Realized

Opinion

Is the formation of the IRA a rumor or fact?

On February 5, the house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 was set on fire and bulldozed, an event widely reported by international media. A foreign TV channel’s headline read, “Bangladesh is confronting a new wave of anger.” This happened on the six-month anniversary of the interim government. The act, carried out in the presence of multiple law enforcement agencies, shocked the world. Sixteen hours later, the head of government issued a consolatory statement, followed by two more statements from Dr. Yunus under pressure from the global media. Although he blamed it on public outrage incited by Sheikh Hasina’s live speech in exile, investigations revealed that extremist groups orchestrated the incident under the directives of several government advisors, student coordinators, and expatriates. The investigation also uncovered that the head of government was fully aware of the event but took no action to prevent the mob violence, instead blaming it on Sheikh Hasina’s provocation in all three statements.

The media reported further unrest, including attacks on Awami League leaders’ homes and the storming of the Gazipur house of Freedom Fighter Minister Mozammel Haque. When attackers were injured by local resistance, the government launched a multi-agency operation called “Operation Devil Hunt,” resulting in the arrest of thousands of Awami League leaders and activists. This series of events was part of Dr. Yunus’s plan to consolidate power. Instead of arresting the instigators, the government detained the victims, deepening the chaos.

When special paramilitary forces are deployed instead of law enforcement to address post-uprising unrest, it becomes evident that such violence, arson, and murders are deliberate acts meant to shift blame onto unofficial militias, preserving the reputation of regular forces. This calculated strategy involves unnamed mobs, extremist factions, and even radical Islamic groups.

On January 20, ISI Chief Lieutenant General Asim Malik visited Dhaka. The next day, Dr. Yunus met two individuals linked to George Soros’s Open Society Foundation in Switzerland. Subsequently, on January 29, Alexander Soros, the foundation’s chairman, met Dr. Yunus in Dhaka. Shortly after, a woman close to Yunus reportedly held a secret meeting with seven Islamic groups on January 31. By February 3, these groups formed a covert organization called the “Islamic Revolution Army” (IRA) to instigate nationwide violence in support of Yunus’s hold on power. They planned to attack the homes of Awami League and BNP leaders, spread fear, and train militarily with ISI’s support, funded by the Open Society Foundation.

This “grand plan” was devised to ensure Dr. Yunus’s grip on power at any cost.

Foreign media claim that the August 5 ouster of Sheikh Hasina was orchestrated by Biden administration-backed deep state beneficiaries with a $29 million fund. Dr. Yunus thrived under this regime, promoting anti-India sentiments. However, Biden’s defeat in November 2024 and Trump’s presidency left Yunus vulnerable. Trump’s promise to investigate the Clinton Foundation’s role in global regime changes alarmed Yunus, prompting him to rely on foreign allies like the Clinton Foundation, the Open Society Foundation, and Pakistan’s ISI.

The January visit of ISI officials was part of this broader strategy. Their goals included:
1. Arming and training sleeper cells like the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army and other militant groups.
2. Diverting India’s focus to the east through staged conflict.
3. Building Yunus’s popularity through war rhetoric.

Subsequent meetings by Yunus with Clinton Foundation affiliates and Alexander Soros led to the formation of the “Four Brothers Alliance” and later the IRA. The IRA operates under Yunus’s direct supervision, funded by international donors and armed by ISI.

Pakistani diplomats’ unusual activity, including frequent meetings with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and regional visits, underscores ISI’s involvement. Key areas like Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, and Rangpur are significant hotspots for these operations.

The IRA’s mission is twofold: incite mob violence against political leaders and prepare for potential regime changes orchestrated by foreign powers. Yunus is taking these steps to ensure he is not overthrown like Sheikh Hasina.

If these preparations remain dormant, Bangladesh might avoid bloodshed. However, if the plans materialize, the country faces grave danger. Both India and the United States are aware of these developments and are taking countermeasures.

-Manjurul Haque
Senior Journalist and Political Analyst
March 2, 2025