Bangladesh's Interim Advisor Seeks India's Help to Limit Hasina's Influence
During a recent session at Chatham House in London, Mohammad Yunus, the chief advisor to Bangladesh's interim government, disclosed a significant exchange with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yunus revealed that after the ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, he had implored Modi to restrain her from communicating with the Bangladeshi public.
“I expressed to PM Modi, ‘If you wish to host her, I can't force you to abandon that policy, but please assist in ensuring she refrains from addressing Bangladeshis the way she is currently doing because it is provoking widespread anger,’” Yunus recounted. However, Modi reportedly declined, citing the uncontrollable nature of social media: “It is social media; we cannot regulate it.”
Concerns Over Fake News and Rising Tensions
Yunus expressed deep concern over misinformation proliferating in the Indian media landscape, which he believes has escalated tensions within Bangladesh. “We aspire to cultivate the best possible relationship with India, yet misleading news stories keep sabotaging this goal. There are suspicions that some of these narratives are even linked to policymakers at the highest levels,” he said.
This surge of cyber unrest and fake news has left the Bangladeshi government “very jittery,” further complicating diplomatic and domestic stability.
Political Turmoil: Awami League’s Status and the Road Ahead
Addressing the current political scenario, Yunus made a striking declaration regarding the Awami League, the party led by Sheikh Hasina. He stated that the Awami League should not participate in the upcoming 2026 elections, arguing that it no longer functions as a legitimate political party.
“If a group is involved in killing young people on the streets, causing disappearances, and embezzling funds without showing any remorse, can they truly be called a political party? For the sake of Bangladesh’s political safety, the nation has resolved to suspend Awami League’s activities temporarily until the ongoing trials concerning violence under Hasina’s administration are concluded,” Yunus explained, emphasizing that the party itself has not been banned.
Protests and Opposition from Bangladeshi Diaspora
Yunus’s statements sparked immediate protests outside Chatham House, where members of the Bangladeshi diaspora voiced strong opposition. Protesters questioned his authority, chanting slogans like “Yunus terrorist” while holding placards demanding the release of former ISKCON monk Chinmoy Prabhu.
One protester challenged Yunus, stating, “How can he ban the Awami League? He is not even elected and possesses no legitimate authority.”
Looking Forward: A Promise of Fair Elections
Despite the heated environment, Yunus vowed to organize “the most beautiful election ever” in 2026, promising a transparent and inclusive process. This commitment aims to restore faith in Bangladesh’s electoral system amid ongoing political upheaval.
The unfolding political drama between Bangladesh and India highlights the challenges posed by modern communication channels, political exile, and internal unrest—setting the stage for critical developments in South Asian politics over the coming months.
