Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has openly expressed frustration over the strained relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi, blaming the Indian media for spreading misinformation and fuelling tensions.
In a candid conversation with Bronwen Maddox, director of Chatham House, during an interaction in London on Wednesday, Yunus said, “We want to build the best of relationships with India. It’s our neighbour. We don’t want any basic problems with them. But somehow things always go wrong because of all the fake news coming from the Indian press.”
He alleged that much of the misinformation appears to be influenced by individuals in positions of power. “Many people say it has connections with policymakers at the top,” he claimed.
Yunus said this persistent issue creates anger in Bangladesh, stating, “We try to get over this anger, but the barrage of false narratives keeps coming, especially in cyberspace.”
Indian authorities have not yet responded to Yunus’ remarks.
Extradition Push Against Sheikh Hasina
Addressing the issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Yunus said Bangladesh is pursuing a formal extradition process. Hasina, currently believed to be in India, has been indicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.
“We want the process to be very legal and proper,” Yunus said, adding that notices have been sent and international legal mechanisms, including Interpol, would be used to seek her return.
“She has been indicted for serious crimes. This is a legal matter now. The trial process has begun, and she has to respond,” he asserted.
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Modi Dismissed Concerns Over Hasina’s Public Remarks
Yunus also revealed details of his earlier conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He claimed that he requested Modi to stop Hasina from making political statements from Indian soil that are broadcast back into Bangladesh.
“When I spoke with PM Modi, I said—if you want to host her, that’s your policy. But please ensure she doesn’t address Bangladeshis with provocative political speeches from India,” Yunus said.
However, Modi reportedly dismissed the request, saying social media cannot be controlled.
“She announces her speeches in advance, and the whole of Bangladesh gets agitated,” Yunus said, expressing his concern over the political impact such broadcasts have back home.
