Yunus Appeals to Modi Amidst Hasina's Political Statements from India
Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, recently disclosed his request to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from addressing political audiences while residing in India. Speaking at London's Chatham House, Yunus revealed that Modi did not act on this appeal.
Diplomatic Exchange at BIMSTEC Summit
During their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok this April, Yunus told Modi, "You can host her — I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us ensure that she does not address the Bangladeshi people the way she currently is."
Yunus explained that Hasina’s announcements of when and where she plans to speak often spark significant unrest across Bangladesh. Modi’s response, quoted by Yunus, was, "It is social media; we cannot control it." Yunus critiqued this stance, emphasizing the serious nature of the issue and the need for more proactive measures.
Ouster of Hasina and Calls for Extradition
Following mass student protests, Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year after being removed from office. Since then, India has reportedly not responded to multiple extradition requests submitted by Dhaka’s interim government starting in December.
Yunus affirmed that his administration will persist in these efforts, especially after Hasina was recently indicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. The tribunal accused her of ordering a police crackdown on protesters last year.
“The trial process has begun,” Yunus explained. “She has been officially notified of the charges and must respond accordingly.” He added that Bangladesh intends to involve Interpol and adhere strictly to legal protocols to ensure the process is proper and legitimate.
Managing Bilateral Relations Amid Media Challenges
Despite expressing a desire for strong ties with India, Yunus raised concerns about the impact of "fake news in the Indian press" undermining these efforts. This issue, according to him, complicates dialogue and cooperation between the neighboring countries.
Looking Ahead
- Yunus’s government continues to seek Hasina’s extradition through legal channels.
- Relations between Bangladesh and India remain delicate amid political tensions.
- Efforts to control political discourse on social media platforms remain a point of contention.
As the situation unfolds, both countries face challenges in balancing diplomacy, justice, and public sentiment.
