Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of making “inflammatory remarks” from Indian soil and has called for her extradition to Bangladesh.
During his first bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit, Yunus urged India to “take appropriate measures to prevent her from continuing to make such provocative statements.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the interim leader stated that Hasina’s comments, aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh, were a misuse of the hospitality extended by India.
“We request that the Government of India take appropriate measures to restrain her from continuing to make such incendiary statements while she remains in your country,” Yunus reiterated.
Since Hasina fled Bangladesh following her removal from power in a mass uprising on August 5, 2024, tensions between the two neighbouring countries have increased.
Yunus’s government has repeatedly alleged that Hasina is using India as a base to instigate unrest in Bangladesh and has continued to demand her extradition to face trial for alleged crimes.
Although there had been two prior opportunities for Yunus to meet with Modi since assuming office, neither meeting occurred. As a result, there was considerable anticipation about whether they would finally meet during the BIMSTEC event.
The bilateral meeting eventually took place around 12pm local time on Friday in Bangkok — the first such meeting between the two leaders.
Shafiqul Alam, the chief advisor’s press aide, stated that the discussions included Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, her controversial remarks from Indian soil, cross-border killings, and the sharing of Teesta River water.
He added that Hasina’s comments had stirred tensions, largely due to the role of social media, according to BSS.
Yunus emphasized that India’s relationship should be with the state of Bangladesh, not with any individual or political party.
On the issue of border killings, Yunus acknowledged that Indian border forces had fired in self-defence and the casualties had occurred within Indian territory.
Both leaders agreed on the need for cooperation to reduce and prevent border incidents.
Modi also expressed concern over reports of minority persecution in Bangladesh.
In response, Yunus dismissed the allegations as largely exaggerated, stating that “most of them are fake news.” He invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and verify the claims for themselves.
