Muhammad Yunus Emphasizes the Importance of Strong India-Bangladesh Relations

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has stressed the necessity of maintaining good relations with India, citing the interdependence of the two countries. In an interview with BBC Bangla, Yunus acknowledged that propaganda has led to some conflicts between the nations but emphasized efforts to overcome misunderstandings.

Yunus’s remarks come ahead of the Bimstec Summit in Thailand on April 3-4, where the Bangladeshi side is keen to arrange a meeting between Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Describing India-Bangladesh ties as “very good,” Yunus stated, “There has been no deterioration, our relations will always be good. They are good now and they will be good in the future. There is no other way but to have good relations between Bangladesh and India.”

He further elaborated on the close historic, political, and economic ties between the two countries, emphasizing their mutual dependence. “Our relations are so close, we are so dependent on each other. We are so close in historic, political, and economic terms that we can’t be isolated,” Yunus said.

However, Yunus acknowledged that conflicts have arisen due to propaganda, though he did not identify the source. “Others will judge who the sources of the propaganda are. But as a result of this propaganda, a misunderstanding has arisen between us. We are trying to overcome that misunderstanding,” he added.

Yunus also highlighted the continuous contact and high-level visits between the two countries, noting that he had spoken to Modi after taking charge. Despite the recent deterioration in ties following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government and the formation of the caretaker administration, Yunus remains optimistic about the future of India-Bangladesh relations.

India has criticized the interim government’s handling of attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindus and other minorities, as well as public comments by interim government leaders and the recent demolition of the home of Bangladesh’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The interim government has demanded the extradition of Hasina, who is in self-exile in India, and urged New Delhi to bar her from making public addresses.

During the interview, Yunus declined to comment on Bangladesh Army chief Gen Waker-uz-Zaman’s recent call for an end to political squabbling but blamed Hasina’s Awami League party for attempting to stir up unrest. “These are his [Zaman’s] comments, he can say this, it is not for me to endorse him. The possibility [of unrest] is always there. A fugitive party has left the country, their leadership has left. They are trying their best to unsettle the country,” Yunus said, referring to the Awami League.

Yunus reiterated his commitment to holding elections within the year and stated that Bangladesh’s political parties would have to decide on the Awami League’s participation in the polls. “I will do what all the parties decide…Those who have been involved in injustice, they must be brought to justice,” he said.

He also dismissed Bangladesh National Party leader Tarique Rahman’s remarks that the interim government isn’t neutral and dispelled the impression that the caretaker administration supports the new political party formed by student leaders who led last year’s uprising. “The government is not helping them. Three student representatives were in government, they have resigned and gone away,” Yunus said.

As Bangladesh navigates its political landscape, Yunus’s emphasis on strong India-Bangladesh relations underscores the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries.