Bangladesh Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina Accuses Yunus of Moving Closer to Pakistan, Praises India

Given the historical trauma of 1971 and Bangladesh’s difficult past relationship with Pakistan.

How do you view Dhaka’s current engagement with Islamabad? Do you believe such ties risk reviving instability or undermining Bangladesh’s hard-won sovereignty?

Sheikh Hasina: The memory of 1971 is not distant history for Bangladesh; it is a lived reality that shaped our national identity and values. Any engagement with Pakistan must therefore be guided by accountability, respect for our history, and a clear commitment to regional peace. Unfortunately, what we are seeing today is not principled diplomacy but impulsive outreach driven by personal political insecurity.

Bangladesh’s stability was built through democratic legitimacy, economic self-reliance, and strong partnerships with neighbours who respect our sovereignty. Any deviation from that path — especially without public mandate or strategic clarity — risks reopening old wounds and creating unnecessary uncertainty. Our people are deeply aware of this, and that awareness will ultimately prevail.