India, Aug. 26 -- Dr Muhammad Yunus's one-and-a-half-year rule is widely seen as one of the more turbulent phases in Bangladesh's recent history.

Critics argue that his administration normalised mob pressure as a political instrument. From the judiciary to the media, few institutions remained untouched by intimidation or coercion.

Militant and extremist elements, long on the margins, appeared to gain space during this period, with concerns-often voiced privately-about their growing networks. By the time Tarique Rahman's government assumed office in February, the economy was widely described as fragile and overstretched.

Fiscal management under the Yunus administration drew sustained criticism.

At the same time, funds were redirected t...