The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus for the deterioration in relations between India and Bangladesh, saying the current strain is “entirely of Yunus’ making.”
Her remarks come amid growing concern in India over a recent surge in violence in Bangladesh, including the lynching of a Hindu man and threats by radical groups against Indian diplomatic missions.
Hasina accused the Yunus-led interim administration of adopting a hostile posture towards India, failing to protect religious minorities, and allowing extremist elements to influence foreign policy.
“The strain you are witnessing is entirely of Yunus’ making. His government issues hostile statements against India, fails to protect religious minorities, and allows extremists to dictate foreign policy, then expresses surprise when tensions rise,” Hasina said. She stressed that India has been Bangladesh’s “most steadfast friend and partner for decades” and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would stabilise once “legitimate governance is restored.”
She further alleged that extremist groups have been emboldened under the current regime. “These are the same actors who marched on the Indian embassy, attacked media offices, targeted minorities with impunity, and forced me and my family to flee for our lives,” she said, adding that individuals with extremist backgrounds had been elevated to positions of power and that convicted terrorists had been released from prison.
Hasina said India’s concerns over the safety of its diplomatic staff were justified, criticising the interim government for failing to protect diplomatic missions. “Instead of prosecuting those who threaten embassies, Yunus grants immunity to hooligans and calls them warriors,” she added.
Her comments follow India’s decision to summon the Bangladeshi envoy in New Delhi over security concerns related to protests outside Indian High Commissions in Bangladesh. Earlier, Dhaka had summoned India’s High Commissioner, objecting to what it described as “anti-election activities” by Bangladeshi political figures staying in India.
Hasina, who has been living in India since her government was ousted last year following mass protests, defended New Delhi’s role and reiterated the strength of India-Bangladesh ties. She said the relationship built over her 15-year tenure would endure beyond the current political situation.
Tensions escalated further after Bangladesh summoned India’s High Commissioner on December 14, alleging that “fugitive political figures,” including Hasina, were influencing Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February. India rejected the allegations, stating it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities harmful to Bangladesh’s interests and reaffirmed its commitment to a stable and democratic neighbour.
The situation worsened after the killing of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka on December 12 and died in Singapore on December 18. His death triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh, including demonstrations outside Indian diplomatic missions.
Commenting on the incident, Hasina said the killing reflected growing lawlessness under the interim government. “Violence has become the norm while the interim government either denies it or is powerless to stop it,” she said, warning that internal instability and persecution of minorities were damaging Bangladesh’s credibility internationally.
“When you cannot maintain basic order within your borders, your credibility on the global stage collapses,” Hasina said, calling the current situation “the reality of Yunus’ Bangladesh.”
