Muhammad Yunus Alleges: Urged PM Modi to Dissuade Hasina’s Outreach, Here’s What He Said

Yunus Says PM Modi Refused Request to Curb Hasina’s Online Speeches, Warns of Rising Tensions.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, has revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined Dhaka’s request to restrict Sheikh Hasina’s online addresses, which he claims are fueling unrest across Bangladesh.

Speaking during an event at Chatham House in London, Yunus recounted his conversation with Modi, where he appealed for help in limiting Hasina’s outreach from Indian soil. “I told Prime Minister Modi, ‘If you want to give her shelter, that’s your policy. But at least help ensure she stops addressing the Bangladeshi people the way she is.’”

Yunus said Hasina’s regular social media broadcasts were inciting public anger back home. “She announces a time and date, and the whole country gets agitated. She’s stirring up resentment, and we’re the ones left managing the consequences.”

According to Yunus, Modi dismissed the concerns, stating, “It’s social media—you can’t control it.” Yunus said the response was disappointing, given the volatility of the situation. “You can’t just shrug and say it’s social media. This is a serious, explosive issue.”

Yunus also confirmed that Bangladesh had requested Hasina’s extradition from India. Legal proceedings are underway, with the country’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) having recently indicted Hasina and two associates on charges including mass murder during a crackdown on student protests in 2024.

Yunus, who took over after Hasina was ousted during mass protests in August 2024, said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining strong ties with India. However, he accused sections of the Indian media—allegedly linked to political figures—of spreading misinformation that further strains bilateral relations.

“We want the best possible relationship with our neighbour,” Yunus said. “But false narratives coming from India, particularly from media with links to powerful people, are undermining trust and stability.”

He warned that repeated disinformation and Hasina’s public statements were triggering emotional reactions in Bangladesh. “We try to remain calm, but each time something new surfaces online, the anger returns.”

Yunus also announced that national elections in Bangladesh will be held in the first half of April 2026, despite calls from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for earlier polls. “We are committed to holding the freest, fairest, and most inclusive elections in our history,” he said.

Since Hasina’s removal from office, her Awami League party has been banned, and Bangladesh has remained under an interim government. Her exile followed widespread protests over a controversial welfare scheme and tax exemptions for war veterans’ families.

Amid strained relations, both leaders exchanged Eid-ul-Adha greetings. In a letter dated June 4, Modi spoke of the festival’s values of compassion and unity. Yunus replied on June 6, calling the message a reflection of the “shared values” between the two nations, despite current tensions.