Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has described former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political statements from India as an “unfriendly gesture.” In a recent interview to a news agency, Muhammad Yunus emphasized that Hasina should remain silent while residing in India to avoid discomfort for both nations until Bangladesh formally requests her extradition.
“If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh (government) wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” Yunus stated during the interview at his official residence in Dhaka. He was appointed Chief Advisor of Bangladesh following Hasina’s ouster amidst escalating anti-government protests.
Diplomatic Strain Between Bangladesh and India
Muhammad Yunus pointed out that while Bangladesh values its strong ties with India, New Delhi needs to move beyond the belief that only the Awami League can ensure the country’s stability. He expressed dissatisfaction with the narrative that portrays every other political party as Islamist and suggests that Bangladesh would become like Afghanistan without Sheikh Hasina’s leadership.
“No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her,” Muhammad Yunus said. “She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic. Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it. But sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it.”
Hasina’s recent statement on August 13, where she demanded justice for those involved in “terror acts” and vandalism, further fuelled concerns. Yunus remarked, “It is not good for us or for India. There is discomfort regarding it.”
Speculation Surrounding Hasina’s Presence in India
Sheikh Hasina has been residing in India for nearly four weeks after fleeing Bangladesh amid a people’s uprising on August 5. Her presence has sparked widespread speculation and debates in both the countries. When asked if Bangladesh had formally communicated its stance to India, Muhammad Yunus confirmed that verbal requests had been made, urging her to remain silent.
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“We have said quite firmly that she should keep quiet. This is an unfriendly gesture towards us; she has been given shelter there and is campaigning from there. It is not that she has gone there in a normal course. She has fled following a people’s uprising and public anger,” Yunus asserted.
Calls for Justice and Stability
Muhammad Yunus highlighted that the interim government is focused on delivering justice to the people of Bangladesh for the alleged atrocities committed during Hasina’s rule. “Yes, she has to be brought back or else the people of Bangladesh won’t be at peace. The kind of atrocities she has committed, she has to be tried in front of everyone here,” he stressed.
While addressing the future of the relationship between India and Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus advocated for good ties but insisted that New Delhi should shed its dependence on the narrative that only Hasina’s leadership ensures stability. He expressed the need for both nations to work together to rebuild the strained relationship.
“The way forward is for India to come out of the narrative that everybody is Islamist, and Bangladesh is in safe hands with Sheikh Hasina at the helm only. India is captivated by this narrative. Bangladesh, like any other nation, is another neighbor,” he remarked.
Minorities and Bilateral Treaties
Responding to concerns raised by India regarding alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus dismissed these claims as an “excuse.” The minority Hindu population has experienced vandalism and property destruction amidst the unrest following Hasina’s ouster, but Yunus urged a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
Additionally, Yunus hinted at potential reevaluations of bilateral agreements, including the controversial Adani electricity deal, signed during the Awami League’s regime. The deal has been criticized for exerting significant financial pressure on Bangladesh, and Muhammad Yunus noted that any necessary reviews would be addressed in the future.
“We will see what is on paper and, second, what is actually happening on the ground. If there is any need to review, we will then raise questions about it,” Yunus said, underscoring the government’s commitment to evaluating these agreements in the interest of the country.
As the political landscape in Bangladesh remains tumultuous, the interim government under Muhammad Yunus is working to stabilize the situation and restore peace. With Sheikh Hasina’s continued presence in India causing friction, the future of Bangladesh-India relations depends on diplomatic efforts, justice, and a mutual understanding of national interests.
