PM Modi to Restrain Hasina’s Moves Towards Bangladesh, Says Muhammad Yunus

Muhammad Yunus Slams Modi for Inaction on Hasina’s Online Speeches, Cites Rising Anger in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ignoring Dhaka’s request to stop ousted PM Sheikh Hasina from delivering provocative online addresses from Indian soil.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, Yunus said he urged Modi to at least moderate Hasina’s access to the public. “I told him—if you want to host her, I cannot stop you. But please make sure she stops speaking to the Bangladeshi public in such a manner,” Yunus recalled. “She announces speeches, and the whole country flares up. Why is she fueling this anger?”

Yunus said Modi dismissed the concern by saying, “It’s social media, you can’t control it.” He responded, “This is an explosive situation—you can’t walk away saying it’s just social media.”

Yunus also confirmed that Bangladesh has formally requested Hasina’s extradition and that legal proceedings are underway. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) recently indicted Hasina and two others for alleged crimes, including mass murder during the 2024 student-led protests.

Tensions have escalated between India and Bangladesh since Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. She later took refuge in India, prompting Dhaka to accuse New Delhi of interference. The interim government banned Hasina’s Awami League in May 2025.

Despite this, Yunus said he still hoped to maintain strong bilateral ties with India. However, he criticised what he called “fake news” from Indian media with links to senior policymakers. “That constant barrage online keeps igniting public anger in Bangladesh,” he said.

Yunus also announced that national elections would be held in April 2026, rejecting the opposition BNP’s demand for earlier polls. “We want these elections to be the most free, fair and competitive in our country’s history,” he said.

Meanwhile, the two leaders exchanged greetings on Eid-ul-Adha. Modi, in a letter dated June 4, highlighted the festival’s message of compassion and inclusion. Yunus responded on June 6, saying the message “reflects the shared values between the two nations,” even as tensions persist.