Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Bangladesh’s interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has publicly criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for continuing to address Bangladeshis online while living in India, and revealed that he urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. Speaking at London’s Chatham House, Yunus described the political atmosphere in Bangladesh as volatile and accused India of indifference toward Hasina’s online broadcasts, which, according to him, risk inciting fresh unrest. He said that while he respects India’s right to host Hasina after her ousting in August 2024, her ongoing speeches on YouTube and Facebook continue to provoke anger in Bangladesh. Yunus claimed that when he raised the issue directly with Modi, the Indian leader responded, “It’s the social media, we cannot control it.” He expressed frustration at India’s unwillingness to restrict her outreach, warning that the situation remains “explosive.”
Diplomatic Requests and Legal Proceedings Continue
The interim administration, formed after Hasina’s ouster following a student-led uprising, has submitted an informal diplomatic note to India requesting Hasina’s extradition. India has acknowledged receipt but taken no further action. Yunus emphasized that his government seeks to handle the matter through legal and diplomatic channels without harming relations with India, though tensions continue to rise, fueled by what he called “fake news” propagated by parts of the Indian press. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has begun legal proceedings against Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity committed during her final months in office. Notices have been served, and Yunus indicated Interpol involvement may follow if necessary.
Interim Government Seeks Stability Amid Awami League Collapse
After the August 2024 uprising, which saw hundreds killed during a government crackdown, the Awami League was disbanded, and Yunus returned from Paris to head the interim government. Many former student protest leaders have since formed the National Citizen Party (NCP) with interim government support. The tribunal has also initiated trials against multiple former Awami League leaders, both domestically and abroad, focusing on abuses committed during the violent July-August 2024 crackdown. Yunus reaffirmed his commitment to remain outside any future elected government and said that his advisory cabinet shares the same stance, aiming solely to guide the country through its transition.
