Sheikh Hasina: Extremists Fueling Hostility Towards India in Disturbing Bangladesh Violence Under Yunus Regime
Amid ongoing violence and unrest in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sharply criticized the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. In a recent interview with ANI, she accused the administration of fostering extremist sentiments, exacerbating anti-India rhetoric, and undermining democratic principles-actions she warned could jeopardize both national stability and regional security.
Hasina specifically noted that the escalation in hostility towards India appears to be a deliberate ploy engineered by extremist elements emboldened under Yunus’s leadership. “This hostility is being manufactured by extremists who have been empowered by the Yunus regime,” she stated, pointing to alarming incidents involving attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and local media offices. She alleged that these aggressors were the same individuals who forced her family to flee their home, emphasizing that Yunus has placed them in positions of power and even released convicted terrorists.
In response to concerns about the safety of Indian diplomats, Hasina said, “A responsible government would protect diplomatic missions and prosecute those who threaten them.” Instead, she claimed, Yunus has granted immunity to “hooligans” whom he describes as “warriors.”
Despite the tumultuous political climate, Hasina expressed her enduring faith in Bangladesh’s constitutional values. “I have not lost hope in Bangladesh’s institutions,” she affirmed, asserting that justice will prevail once legitimate governance is restored and the judiciary is independent. Criticizing the lack of legitimacy in the upcoming February elections-excluded from which is her Awami League party-she remarked, “An election without the Awami League is not an election, but a coronation.”
On the topic of renewed extradition calls following an International Crimes Tribunal verdict, Hasina dismissed them as politically motivated and termed the proceedings a “kangaroo tribunal.” She acknowledged India’s support during her exile, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown by Indian political leaders.
Addressing her departure from Bangladesh, Hasina clarified, “I left to prevent further bloodshed, not because I was afraid of justice.” She firmly rejected demands for her return, stating, “You cannot demand my return to face my political assassination.” She remains resolute in her legal challenge against the interim government, asserting her confidence that an independent judiciary would acquit her when the time comes.
Hasina also placed the blame for growing tensions in India-Bangladesh relations on the Yunus administration, which she accused of adopting an adversarial stance toward India while neglecting the safety of minorities. She maintained that India remains Bangladesh’s most steadfast ally and emphasized the importance of these ties.
Furthermore, Hasina condemned the recent rise in violence, noting that the tragic killing of Sharif Usman Hadi highlights a significant breakdown in law and order. She stressed that the current environment of lawlessness has flourished under Yunus’s leadership, undermining Bangladesh’s credibility on the international stage.
With lingering concerns over the rising influence of extremist groups, Hasina affirmed her commitment to restoring Bangladesh’s secular identity. “I share this concern, as do millions of Bangladeshis who prefer the safe, secular state we once were,” she said, criticizing Yunus for placing radicals in government roles.
Finally, addressing the disturbing remarks from some Bangladeshi leaders about regional territorial claims, Hasina labeled such statements as “dangerous and irresponsible,” asserting that no serious leader would jeopardize relations with India, a crucial partner for trade and stability in the region. She reiterated that once democracy is reinstated, Bangladesh’s foreign policy will reflect the nation’s true interests, asserting, “India-Bangladesh relations are fundamental and will endure long after this interim government is gone.”
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/bangladesh-violence-sheikh-hasina-says-extremists-emboldened-by-yunus-regime-manufacture-hostility-towards-india-11766383963402.html
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Publish Date: 2025-12-22 13:29:00
