This week, Bangladesh formally requested a meeting between its interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders will be in New York for the UN General Assembly later this month. However, the Indian side has yet to respond to this request, and Modi’s schedule for bilateral meetings is still being finalized.
Yunus’s Controversial Remarks
The delay in confirming the meeting is reportedly linked to recent comments made by Yunus. In an interview with an Indian media outlet, Yunus criticized former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. Yunus suggested that Bangladesh might seek Hasina’s extradition and criticized India for allowing her to speak out while she is in their country. He remarked, “If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” and added, “Sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it. It’s not good for us or for India.”
Impact on Bilateral Relations
Yunus’s comments have not been well received in New Delhi. Sources close to the situation indicated that such remarks are not conducive to improving relations between the two countries. The Indian side has yet to publicly address Yunus’s statements, and there has been no official response regarding the request for a meeting.
India’s Position on Hasina
India’s leadership has defended its decision to grant Hasina shelter, stating that her visit was approved on short notice after her resignation on August 5. The Indian external affairs ministry has not commented on any potential request for her extradition, labeling it as a hypothetical scenario.
Future of Bilateral Relations
Yunus, who assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government following Hasina’s departure, had a phone conversation with Modi on August 16. During this call, Modi emphasized the need for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh amid post-coup violence. Yunus assured Modi that minority protection would be a priority and dismissed Indian media reports about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh as “exaggerated.”
Internal Challenges in Bangladesh
There is growing concern that Bangladesh’s interim government may be struggling to manage the situation effectively. Observers note that some factions within the caretaker setup appear to be working against each other, further complicating the country’s political landscape.