Bangladesh’s interim leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has openly criticized India for allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address Bangladeshis online from Indian soil, warning that her continued presence and communication is inflaming tensions in an already fragile post-uprising Bangladesh.
Speaking at Chatham House in London, Yunus revealed that he personally urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and restrict Hasina’s broadcasts, which he claims are provoking public anger and risking further unrest in the country she once led.
“She announces when she will speak, and the whole of Bangladesh gets very angry,” Yunus said. “When I spoke to Prime Minister Modi, I said, ‘You want to host her? Fine. But please help ensure she doesn’t keep speaking to Bangladeshis like this.’ His reply? ‘It’s social media, we cannot control it.’ That’s not a serious answer. This is an explosive situation.”
Hasina fled to India after a student-led uprising unseated her government in August 2024. Since then, she has continued to address supporters and critics alike through YouTube and Facebook, often promoting her broadcasts in advance. Yunus argues these appearances stoke unrest and complicate the country’s fragile recovery from the violent power shift.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Yunus also disclosed that his government submitted an informal extradition request to India for Hasina, though he acknowledged it was unsigned and unofficial. New Delhi has confirmed receipt but has yet to take action.
“We want to do everything legally and peacefully,” Yunus said, stressing Bangladesh’s desire to maintain a strong bilateral relationship. However, he voiced concern over what he described as “fake news from the Indian press,” which he claims is influencing public sentiment and further destabilizing his country.
He also confirmed that Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal has begun proceedings against Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity, specifically related to the brutal crackdown on protestors during her final weeks in power. Interpol involvement is under consideration.
No Political Ambition, Says Yunus
Now 84, Yunus reaffirmed that he has no intention of contesting future elections or joining a permanent government. His caretaker cabinet, formed after Hasina’s ouster, has supported the rise of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by student activists who spearheaded last year’s revolt.
Since taking office on August 8, Yunus has overseen the disbanding of the Awami League and the prosecution of several former leaders for abuses during the 2024 crackdown, which left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.
Despite calls for restraint, Yunus warned that Hasina’s ongoing influence from across the border risks reigniting tensions in a country still reeling from violence, political trauma, and misinformation.
“You cannot just dismiss this by saying ‘it’s social media,’” he concluded. “We are trying to heal, but this constant provocation is pushing us back toward the edge.”
