India has decided not to comment on the recent violent protests in Bangladesh over government job quotas, calling it an internal issue. This decision has disappointed Bangladeshi economist and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus criticized India’s stance, saying that if there is trouble in a neighboring country, it’s not right to ignore it as just their own problem. He suggested that such unrest could eventually affect nearby countries as well.
Last month, when asked about the protests in Bangladesh, Indian spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was an internal matter of Bangladesh. Yunus argued that with so many people affected and violence escalating, the situation is likely to impact neighboring countries too.
Yunus, known for his work in microfinance, has been involved in a dispute with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has accused him of exploiting the poor. Yunus faces a corruption charge, which he and his supporters believe is politically motivated.
Yunus has called on India to support democratic processes in Bangladesh and to speak out against any lack of transparency in elections. He praised India’s own democratic practices and expressed disappointment that India isn’t more vocal about supporting democracy in Bangladesh. He plans to discuss these concerns with the Indian government to find a way forward.
The protests, which began last month over civil service job quotas, have become some of the most severe during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year term. There have been calls for her resignation amid the unrest. Recently, around 100 people, including 14 police officers, were killed in clashes. The death toll since the protests started in July has now reached at least 283.
In response to the violence, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised its citizens in Bangladesh to be very cautious and avoid traveling there until further notice.