Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for making political comments while in India. He stated that her remarks were an “unfriendly gesture” and emphasized that she should remain silent to avoid tension between the two countries until Bangladesh requests her extradition.
“If India decides to keep her until Bangladesh wants her back, the condition must be that she stays quiet,” Yunus said in an interview with PTI at his official residence in Dhaka. Yunus was appointed Chief Advisor of the interim government following Hasina’s ouster.
Bangladesh’s Concerns Over Hasina’s Remarks
While Yunus acknowledged Bangladesh’s strong ties with India, he stressed that New Delhi needs to move away from the belief that only the Awami League, led by Hasina, can prevent the country from becoming unstable. He pointed out that Hasina’s presence in India and her continued political statements are creating discomfort.
“Her statements from India are problematic. If she had remained silent, people would have moved on. But her ongoing comments and instructions from India are not appreciated,” Yunus said. He was referring to a statement made by Hasina on August 13, in which she demanded justice for those involved in “terror acts” and violence in Bangladesh.
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Political Fallout Following Hasina’s Resignation
Hasina resigned as prime minister following mass anti-government protests on August 5 and has since been in India. Her stay in the country has fueled speculation in Bangladesh about her future political role. Yunus revealed that Bangladesh has clearly communicated its stance to India, insisting that Hasina should stop making public comments.
“This is an unfriendly act toward Bangladesh. She fled after a public uprising, and now she is using India as a platform for her political campaign,” Yunus added.
Call for Justice in Bangladesh
Yunus stressed that the interim government is committed to ensuring justice for the people of Bangladesh. He emphasized that Hasina must be brought back to face trial for her actions while in power. “She must be tried publicly for the atrocities she has committed,” he said.
India-Bangladesh Relations Moving Forward
Yunus also addressed the broader relationship between India and Bangladesh, expressing a desire for strong ties. However, he urged India to shift its perception that only Hasina can maintain stability in Bangladesh.
“India needs to move beyond the narrative that labels every political group except the Awami League as Islamist,” he said. “Bangladesh is not dependent on one leader for its future.”
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Minority Rights and India’s Concerns
Yunus dismissed concerns raised by India over attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. He described the concerns as an “excuse” and downplayed the portrayal of the situation. Recent violence, including vandalism of Hindu businesses and temples, occurred following Hasina’s ouster.
During his Independence Day speech on August 15, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh and hoped the situation would stabilize soon.
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