Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has expressed disappointment over the recurring setbacks in fostering stronger ties with India. Speaking at an event hosted by Chatham House in London on June 11, 2025, Yunus said his government consistently aimed to improve bilateral relations, but “something always went wrong.”
During the wide-ranging discussion with Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, Yunus addressed key issues concerning Bangladesh’s political landscape, including its evolving relationship with India and the forthcoming democratic reforms under what he described as a “July Charter,” expected to be unveiled next month.
The conversation also touched on the controversial extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Maddox referred to a diplomatic note sent to India regarding her return to Bangladesh, where she now faces multiple charges following her ouster in August 2024, a result of widespread student-led protests.
Yunus emphasized that his administration remains committed to maintaining a lawful and transparent process around Hasina’s case, reiterating that Bangladesh wishes to cultivate a positive relationship with its neighbor.
“We want the best kind of relationship with India,” he said. “But every time, things somehow go wrong. A lot of it stems from fake news circulating in the Indian press, which some say has links to top-level policymakers.”
This media narrative, he added, stirs public anger in Bangladesh, creating recurring waves of tension that the government struggles to defuse. “We try to move past the anger, but every time something new happens in cyberspace, the resentment resurfaces,” he explained.
Yunus further acknowledged the emotional toll such tensions take on bilateral relations. “Our task is to ensure peace and stability so that people can pursue the life they dream of.”
Responding to a question about India’s ambiguous stance on Hasina, Yunus revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was noncommittal. He claimed he asked Modi to prevent Hasina from using Indian soil to engage directly with the Bangladeshi public online, which has reportedly triggered unrest back home. According to Yunus, Modi responded that her online activity couldn’t be controlled.
“This is an explosive issue. You can’t just dismiss it by saying it’s social media,” Yunus remarked.
Since Hasina’s dramatic exit from Bangladesh, ties between the two countries have noticeably cooled. The former Prime Minister, now facing trial in multiple cases, continues to have a strong digital presence that, according to Yunus, further complicates the already strained relations.
Now 84, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate assumed the role of interim head of government last August. He recently announced that national elections will be held by mid-2026. Asked whether he would consider running for office, Yunus firmly declined: “No way.”
His visit to the UK, which began on June 10, has included high-profile meetings and protests from Hasina’s supporters abroad. He is expected to meet King Charles III and senior British government officials during his stay.
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