Breaking ties with India reflects the foolishness of Muhammad Yunus !

Statement of Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina

New Delhi – India has always remained Bangladesh’s most trusted and important partner. The anti-India stance adopted by the head adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, reveals both his weakness and the instability of his administration. He is an unelected ruler propped up by extremist groups. His hatred towards India is nothing but foolish and self-destructive. Severing ties with India amounts to sheer folly on the part of Muhammad Yunus. The deep and enduring India–Bangladesh relationship will not be shaken by such reckless behaviour, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated. She made these remarks during an interview from an undisclosed location in India.

The interim government does not represent the people

Speaking about the tension that has emerged in India–Bangladesh relations, Sheikh Hasina said, “The current interim government does not represent the people of Bangladesh, especially its women. India is our true friend and will continue to remain so.” She expressed her gratitude to the Government of India for granting her refuge and offering warm hospitality.

Western leaders backing Yunus

Sheikh Hasina further remarked that Muhammad Yunus had enjoyed clandestine support from certain Western liberal leaders. “They wrongly assumed Yunus was one of them. Now, as they watch him appoint hardliners as ministers, oppress minorities, and dismantle the Constitution, I hope they will withdraw their support.”

I will return to Bangladesh only after democracy is restored

Sheikh Hasina said, “I have only one condition for returning to Bangladesh – the restoration of participatory democracy in the country. The ban on the Awami League must be lifted, and elections must be held in a free, fair, and inclusive manner.” Responding to reports of a possible boycott of the upcoming elections, she asserted that excluding the Awami League from the political process is unacceptable. “Whether in power or in opposition, the Awami League will remain an integral part of Bangladesh’s politics.”

Failure to control violent protests admitted

Sheikh Hasina acknowledged, “We were unable to manage the situation during the student protests, and we deeply regret it. There is much to learn from this episode; however, the so-called student leaders who incited the public must also take responsibility.”

Let Yunus file a case in the International Criminal Court

Sheikh Hasina challenged Muhammad Yunus: “Let him file a case against me in the International Criminal Court. He will never do so because he knows the court will exonerate me.” She dismissed the impartiality of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, calling it a “kangaroo court” controlled by the opposition.

Bangladesh expresses displeasure; seeks clarification from Indian Deputy High Commissioner

Within hours of Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of Muhammad Yunus in the interview, the interim government summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, expressing displeasure and seeking clarification on the remarks.