Lagatar24 Desk
Dhaka: Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has strongly criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for making political statements while in India, describing her actions as an “unfriendly gesture.” Yunus emphasized that Hasina should remain silent to avoid causing discomfort between the two countries until Bangladesh requests her extradition.
“If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” Yunus stated in an interview with PTI at his official residence in Dhaka.
Yunus, who was appointed as Chief Advisor following Hasina’s ouster, stressed the importance of strong ties between Bangladesh and India but urged New Delhi to move beyond a narrative that suggests only the Awami League can prevent Bangladesh from becoming an unstable state like Afghanistan. “No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her. She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic,” Yunus added.
Controversy Over Hasina’s Remarks
Yunus was likely referring to a statement made by Hasina on August 13, in which she called for “justice” and the prosecution of those involved in recent acts of “terror,” killings, and vandalism. Yunus indicated that Hasina’s public comments from India have created tension and urged her to remain silent for the sake of diplomatic relations.
Following significant anti-government protests in Bangladesh, Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled to India. Her presence there for nearly four weeks has sparked widespread speculation and controversy in Bangladesh.
When asked if Bangladesh has communicated its position to India, Yunus confirmed that it has been made clear that Hasina should refrain from making public statements. “We have said quite firmly that she should keep quiet. This is an unfriendly gesture towards us; she has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there,” Yunus said.
Commitment to Justice and Bilateral Relations
Yunus underscored the interim government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the people of Bangladesh and stated that Hasina must be brought back to face trial. “The kind of atrocities she has committed, she has to be tried in front of everyone here,” he emphasized.
Regarding the future of India-Bangladesh relations, Yunus expressed a desire for improved ties but insisted that India must move away from the narrative that only Sheikh Hasina’s leadership guarantees stability in Bangladesh. “The narrative is that everybody is Islamist, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is Islamist, and everyone else is Islamist and will make this country into Afghanistan. India has to come out of this narrative,” Yunus said.
Minority Issues and Bilateral Treaties
Yunus also addressed recent incidents involving attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, suggesting that concerns raised by India over these events are merely an excuse. He emphasized the need for both nations to work together to mend their currently strained relationship.
Commenting on future bilateral treaties with India, Yunus noted that there are demands for a review of agreements such as transit and the Adani electricity deal, which was signed during the Awami League regime. “We need to work together to improve this relationship, which is now at a low,” he stated.
The BNP has indicated that if elected to power, it would reassess the “questionable” Adani electricity deal, citing significant pressure on the people of Bangladesh due to this agreement.
