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Muhammad Yunus to Meet Tarique Rahman in London Amid Political Crisis in Bangladesh

June 13, 2025, 12:42 pm

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser to the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, is set to meet BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman in London to address the ongoing political crisis ahead of the national elections, which are tentatively scheduled for April 2026. The crucial two-hour meeting is planned for 9 a.m. local time at a hotel in London. Both BNP and interim government officials confirmed that all preparations for the discussion have been completed.

The dispute between the two sides centers on the timing of the elections. While Yunus insists on holding the vote in early April next year, BNP is pushing for elections to take place by December 2025. Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman has also supported the BNP’s preferred timeline. Yunus argues that the interim government needs time to implement institutional reforms and begin prosecuting key leaders of the banned Awami League, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the BNP has warned that an April election would clash with Ramadan, which begins in mid-February, potentially disrupting campaigning in the Muslim-majority nation.

The London meeting is being viewed as a possible turning point in Bangladesh’s political landscape. It marks the first major engagement between top figures of the BNP and the interim government since the dramatic fall of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Following her ouster in a student-led uprising, Hasina has been living in self-imposed exile in India. Meanwhile, the BNP, led by Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman, has emerged as the country’s largest political party, especially after the Awami League was banned from participating in elections.

Tarique Rahman has been living in London for the past 16 years. His potential return to Bangladesh is expected to further energize the BNP’s campaign. Meanwhile, Muhammad Yunus, who is currently on a four-day official visit to the UK, faced diplomatic friction when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to meet him—allegedly due to objections from the Awami League.

As political tensions remain high, this meeting between Yunus and Rahman could prove critical in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s democracy. Both sides are under pressure to resolve their differences and ensure free and fair elections in the coming months.

‘Can’t Control Social Media’: PM Modi’s Blunt Reply To Yunus Over Hasina’s Explosive Speeches

June 12, 2025, 7:10 am

Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring his request to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making political statements while residing in India.

Speaking at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday, Yunus said he had urged Modi to at least limit Hasina’s outreach to the Bangladeshi public while she remains in India following her ouster last August. “When I had a chance to speak with Prime Minister Modi, I simply said, ‘You want to host her — I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us ensure that she does not address the Bangladeshi people the way she currently is,’” Yunus told the audience at the prestigious think tank.

‘Explosive Situation’: Yunus Criticises Modi’s Social Media Remark

Yunus revealed that he raised the issue during a bilateral meeting with Modi at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok this April. He said Hasina’s announcements on specific dates had stirred public unrest back home. “She announces that she will speak on a particular day and at a particular time, and the whole of Bangladesh becomes very angry,” he said.

He further claimed that Modi dismissed the concern, saying, “It is social media; we cannot control it.” In response, Yunus said, “What can you say? This is an explosive situation, and you can’t simply walk away by saying it’s social media. Yet this continues.”

Extradition Efforts to Continue

Yunus reiterated that his government would not back down from efforts to extradite Hasina, who was recently indicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for ordering a violent police crackdown on protestors last year. “The trial process has started. The tribunal has issued her notices for the crimes she has committed, and now she must respond,” he stated.

Since taking office, Bangladesh’s interim administration has sent multiple extradition requests to India, starting in December. However, India has yet to respond.

Yunus confirmed that they plan to escalate the matter using legal channels, including international mechanisms. “We want the process to be legal and proper,” he added.

BNP Accuses Muhammad Yunus of Using ‘Reforms’ as Excuse to Delay Polls

June 1, 2025, 1:41 pm

The political storm in Bangladesh continues to intensify. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has accused interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of deliberately delaying reforms to push national elections beyond 2025.

On Saturday, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed slammed the interim government for offering “empty gestures” instead of real action. He claimed Yunus keeps inaugurating the same reforms repeatedly to buy time and avoid holding elections within the promised timeline.

‘How Many Times Will You Inaugurate Reforms?’

Attending an event organized by the Krishak Dal in Dhaka, Salahuddin Ahmed was frustrated over Yunus’s timeline. In his opinion, the interim government has not done any tangible thing to ensure elections are held before the end of 2025. Rather, Yunus has remarked that the polls will be held between December 2025 and June 2026.

How many times will you launch these reforms?” asked Salahuddin Ahmed, referring to Yunus’s next new announcement on June 2. He blamed the administration for going through meaningless rituals rather than producing results. The ceremony also commemorated the 44th anniversary of party founder Ziaur Rahman’s death.

‘You’re Just Showing Us the Banana of Reforms’

Salahuddin Ahmed ridiculed the reforms as a joke. He stated, “You are simply exhibiting the ‘banana of reforms’,” accusing the administration of consolidating previous promises into fresh ones without forward movement.

He warned that Muhammad Yunus continues to retreat from previous guarantees. “You guaranteed polls in December. Now you state otherwise. This is regrettable,” he added.

Yunus Faces Backlash Over Tokyo Remarks

While Muhammad Yunus was in Tokyo, BNP’s Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury reacted to Yunus’s latest remarks. He claimed that not all sides are interested in having polls next year. Chowdhury retorted that only the parties formed after August 5 oppose elections this year. “At least 52 parties are eager to have elections by December,” he told the Jatiya Press Club.

He also said that opposition parties do not have the backing of the people. “Only four or five non-registered parties are against early polls. They don’t represent the people,” he added. He reiterated that only a parliament elected can bring back stability.

‘This Cannot Continue’

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury threatened more instability if the interim government continues to disregard the people. “The interim arrangement has no relation with the people. It’s like everyone is doing everything as they desire. This cannot go on,” he said.

He stated that Bangladesh requires actual change otherwise after the departure of Sheikh Hasina. “Any party that does not understand that has no future for this country,” he claimed. The confrontation between Yunus and the BNP continues unabated. With the demand for early polls escalating, pressure is mounting on the caretaker government.

Bangladesh to Live Telecast Sheikh Hasina’s Historic Trial Starting Sunday

June 1, 2025, 12:55 pm

Bangladesh is set to make history by live telecasting the trial of former PM Sheikh Hasina, which will begin on Sunday. This will be the first time a country will telecast court proceedings against ex-PM. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ruled to broadcast all hearings regarding enforced disappearance charges against former PM Sheikh Hasina and senior Awami League leaders.

The interim administration, headed by Muhammad Yunus, is conducting a nationwide crackdown after deposing Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 following widespread student demonstrations that ended her 15-year rule.

ICT Targets Former PM and Top Officials

The ICT has also issued several warrants for the arrest of Sheikh Hasina and some of her top allies. They include former army generals and one former police chief. The chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, confirmed the charges are over forced disappearances that the tribunal will discuss formally on June 1.

He asserted that the ICT is set to advance the judicial process. “We are proceeding with pace,” he informed journalists. Prosecutor Islam also implicated Hasina as the “nucleus of enforced disappearances” and implicated her in the secret prison center called “Ayna Ghar.”

Court to Air Proceedings Live on National TV

For the first time, the court will telecast the proceedings live on Bangladesh Television (BTV). ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the news. He said the telecast will start at 9:30 am (local time) on Sunday, subject to approval from the tribunal.

The live broadcast aims to provide transparency and inform the public while the tribunal hears one of the nation’s most politically charged cases. Tamim stressed that legal procedures will govern the whole process.

Hasina’s Legal and Political Troubles Mount

Sheikh Hasina is already under a ban on her political party, the Awami League. Most of its top leaders are still in prison. Last month, the tribunal had also issued a show-cause notice to Hasina and her aide for contempt of court. It blamed her for interfering with the legal process and intimidating the tribunal.

The caretaker government is still clamping down. It is actively hunting all those associated with the so-called disappearances. Although the investigation is ongoing, the ICT has already indicated the organization of the crimes and those said to be responsible.

A Defining Moment for Bangladesh

This trial is a watershed moment for Bangladesh’s judiciary and its political life. The live transmission is a sign of a historic turn toward openness, even as the country struggles with severe political polarization.

As the courts play out the legal process, the world will observe how Bangladesh navigates the trial of its longest-serving ruler.

Bangladesh Lost 2.1 Million Jobs — Why Did Women Lose 86% of Them?

May 27, 2025, 1:29 pm

Bangladesh has an invisible crisis. In the first half of the financial year, 2.1 million jobs disappeared—women lost a whopping 86% of them. Official declarations of advance notwithstanding, hard facts tell a gloomier tale. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reports that the female labour force participation increased to 42.68% in 2022.

However, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) puts actual participation at only 19%. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, now Chief Adviser, is increasingly in the dock. His government has not been able to sustain women’s economic advances once fostered under Sheikh Hasina’s guidance.

Tale of Two Leaders: Hasina’s Gains, Yunus’s Decline

Sheikh Hasina encouraged female work in garments, microfinance, education, and safety nets. Rural businesspeople were assisted. Child marriage fell. However, under Yunus—who is internationally renowned for empowering women—NEET rates increased.

Foreign employment opportunities frittered away. His regime is now grappling with youth unemployment, financial instability, and lost faith in the banks.

Data Gap: What’s Real and What’s Not ?

BBS statistics report steady female employment. But CPD disputes this story. Its analysts contend figures encompass irregular or unpaid work by family members. BBS includes women laboring just one hour a week. This swells the numbers and conceals vulnerability.

CPD’s Towfiqul Islam Khan estimates the real unemployment rate for women at 9.7%, not the listed 3.6%. Among young women, it’s more than 22%.

Unpaid, Invisible, Undervalued

CPD identified 80.8% of employed women as having “vulnerable jobs” without security and low wages. Only 3% get pensions. Several work unpaid in family enterprises or as domestic laborers. The World Bank estimates that one-third of women workers are unpaid family assistants. The majority of their work is not recognized.

Women looking to work overseas encounter new barriers. Female migration per month fell from 8,789 in 2022 to 4,610 in 2025. Foreign migration workers tend to be exploited. Protections under the law are weak.

Gaps in Structures Are Still Wide

Bangladeshi women possess fewer assets and experience credit constraints. A mere 36% have bank accounts, as compared to men at 65%. Much of this is spent on male relatives. Financial dependence intensifies.

Increasing inflation and declining investment damage industries such as garments and domestic work—sectors that predominantly hire women. CPD discovered that two-thirds of young women no longer fit into significant economic roles.

Despite 44 ministries releasing gender budget reports, their quality continues to be weak. They don’t tackle underlying inequalities or provide implementation.

Illusion of Progress

Despite the rosy reports, actual progress for Bangladeshi women is still tenuous. Economic empowerment eludes them. Structural disadvantage denies them opportunity. Yunus, a female icon of empowerment, has yet to succeed where Hasina did.

Should the trend persist, Bangladesh threatens to reverse its success and retard its overall growth.

Bangladesh’s Caretaker Govt Warns Of Rising ‘Authoritarian’ Risks, Students Fear Crackdown

May 24, 2025, 8:01 pm

The caretaker government of Bangladesh has urged national unity to protect democracy and avert a return to authoritarianism, after weeks of mounting protests in the capital, Dhaka. The interim government that was formed after mass protests toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year called for wide cooperation to guarantee stability, justice, and fair elections.

Since the ousting of Hasina in August 2024, the South Asian nation of about 170 million people has experienced acute political turmoil. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who came back from exile after being called back by protesters, is leading the caretaker government. Yunus has promised to establish democratic reforms prior to elections, which are scheduled to be conducted at the latest by June 2026.

In a recent release, the caretaker government threatened that if its process of reform, justice, and election preparation is hindered, it will take proper steps with the people, but it did not elaborate on what measures would be taken. Yunus has also been set to hold talks with major opposition parties, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both of which have organized demonstrations against the government. The BNP is calling for elections by December, a stand endorsed by military leader General Waker-Uz-Zaman.

Student activist Nahid Islam, of the uprising’s National Citizen Party, was concerned about having another military-backed regime like in the 2007 emergency rule. While accepting that the military has a role to play in national security, Islam cautioned against intervention by the military in politics fearing the forthcoming elections could be highly curbed instead of free and fair.

The caretaker administration is under increasing pressure to deliver on its vow of reform and democratic transformation in a precarious political setting.

Yunus Holds Ground Amid Army Tensions And Election Uncertainty In Bangladesh

May 24, 2025, 7:27 pm

Bangladesh’s interim government leader, Muhammad Yunus, has opted to continue in office after initial indications of a resignation, amidst mounting tensions between his administration, political parties, and the army.

Espy reports indicate that Yunus had called an emergency session with his advisory council after a scheduled meeting of ECNEC to discuss increased discord regarding election timetables and governance reform. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud corroborated that Yunus had no plans to resign, asserting, “He is definitely staying,” as he emphasized the advisers’ shared dedication to their national duties.

The confusion regarding Yunus’s position occurred after he informed student leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) that he was contemplating resigning because of increasing challenges and no political consensus. Cabinet members and NCP leaders convinced him not to resign, citing his contribution of guiding the nation through its transitional stage.

Yunus is to have key meetings with officials of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami in the evening to finalize political reforms and polls. The two parties have called for an Election Roadmap, with BNP leaders asking Yunus to preside over early polls and relinquish power with grace. Jamaat demanded structural reforms and a transparent election timeline between December and June.

At the same time, tensions have also been witnessed with the military establishment. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has reportedly complained of being kept in the dark regarding major security decisions, especially over a mooted humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Military commanders have called for polls by December to allow a seamless transition to civilian rule.

Yunus’s administration, which took office after student-led demonstrations toppled incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been under mounting pressure to produce reforms and justice, rather than elections. Political instability remains a tight grip on Dhaka, with opposition groups confronting each other on the streets and calling for immediate action.

Will Muhammad Yunus Step Down? Bangladesh Faces Political Rift and Military Pressure

May 23, 2025, 12:03 pm

Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus is thinking of resignation as political backing erodes and disagreements with the army grow. It is hard for Yunus, according to National Citizen Party leader Nahid Islam, to bring all political parties onto a common platform.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman calls for early elections and attacks the interim government for not including the military in important decisions. Despite his pledge to hold elections by June 2026, Muhammad Yunus is under growing pressure to move sooner.

Political Support for Yunus

Nahid Islam uncovered to BBC Bangla that Muhammad Yunus is seriously contemplating his resignation. Yunus explained to Nahid Islam that things have reached a point where he feels incapable of going on. AFP has confirmed from a source that Yunus has threatened his Cabinet that he will step down unless political parties commit to support him completely.

The threat comes in the wake of huge protests by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) loyalists in Dhaka. The BNP, which turned out to be a key opposition power, is calling for firmer promises from the interim government.

Interim Government Faces Army Criticism

Tensions between the interim government and Bangladesh’s army have intensified. Many critics blame Muhammad Yunus for failing to improve the country’s condition after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman openly criticised the interim government for excluding the military from important decisions.

He stressed that many key actions are taken without proper consultation with the army. Furthermore, Waker-Uz-Zaman highlighted the urgent need for inclusive elections to restore legitimacy and public trust.

Election Roadmap Still Unclear

Muhammad Yunus has pledged to conduct elections by June 2026 at the latest. The BNP, however, insists on a concrete election date. Senior BNP leader Khandakar Mosharraf Hossain issued a warning that without a defined roadmap, the BNP support could decline.

He emphasized that issuing an announced fixed schedule of elections should be the topmost priority. Army Chief Zaman is also urging earlier elections. He characterized the situation as chaotic and deteriorating by the day, implying that earlier elections would stabilize the nation.

Growing Pressure and Indeterminate Future

Political standoff and military tensions have put Bangladesh’s caretaker government on thin ice. Yunus’s potential resignation indicates an escalating crisis. Without political convergence and military cooperation, the task of governing will continue to be challenging.

At the same time, protests by the opposition and calls by the masses for free elections are increasingly vocal. The caretaker government should step in decisively to establish a clear direction before the situation aggravates further.

French President Macron Denies Bilateral Talks with Bangladesh, Visit Called Off

May 20, 2025, 12:04 pm

The interim government of Bangladesh has suffered a major diplomatic blow. French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that he turned down Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s invitation for a bilateral meeting during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on June 9.

In response to the rejection,Yunus went ahead and cancelled his France tour altogether. This is a setback for Dhaka’s efforts in recent times to better its position on the international scene.

France Rejects Dhaka’s Offer

After being invited to the forum, Bangladesh had made a special effort to ask for a one-on-one meeting between Macron and Yunus. French authorities, however, told Dhaka that President Macron would not be able to make it. They referred to a busy diplomatic schedule and several earlier bilateral meeting requests by other participating nations.

Additionally, Paris clarified not holding side meetings during the summit. Instead, France requested that Yunus appear at the conference itself without seeking a formal bilateral engagement. The French side also wanted clarification on why the meeting was being convened, showing reluctance to hold talks simply for diplomatic purposes.

Dhaka Scraps Yunus’ France Visit

After the strong message from the France, Bangladesh canceled Yunus’ trip plans. The move is a setback to the interim regime’s bid for international legitimacy through symbolic gestures.

The snub from Macron also comes in the wake of Bangladesh’s stalled negotiations with France over the purchase of civilian aircraft — an issue that had earlier fueled bilateral interest but has lost steam since.

Yunus’ Push for Global Recognition

Muhammad Yunus has actively attempted to reach out to global leaders in the past few months. His attempts are made during a time of political transition in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s departure. Last month, Yunus had met Indian PM Narendra Modi for the first time at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. That encounter had raised hopes in Dhaka for wider international acceptance.

Yet Macron’s move indicates that not all diplomatic avenues are available. France’s dismissal of even symbolic talks shows how more difficult it has become for Yunus to project Bangladesh’s new political narrative internationally.

The canceled visit indicates how Yunus’ diplomatic initiative remains ailing. With powers abroad increasingly preferring substance over image, Bangladesh’s caretaker government will need firmer policy direction and uncompromising bilateral agendas to regain momentum abroad. Short of that, the door to international legitimacy may stay shut.

Bangladesh vs India: Can Dhaka Risk a Trade War? | TDG Explainer

April 17, 2025, 3:45 pm

The recent global trade war between the United States and China has created a domino effect across regional trade relationships, and today, the tension between India and Bangladesh is boiling over. With the suspension of crucial shipping and land port facilities, the trade relationship between the neighboring nations seems to be under severe threat.

India Suspends Transshipment Facility

April witnessed two major developments that may have a disastrous effect on India-Bangladesh trade. New Delhi first suspended the transhipment facility for export cargo, and then Dhaka suspended the import of yarn via major land ports like Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari.

Shutting down this transhipment facility has far-reaching implications not just for Bangladesh but also for Bhutan. Nepal, because these countries have been using this route as a key outlet for trade. The suspension may result in the disruption of trade of goods from these landlocked countries to Bangladesh. Bhutan and Nepal would most likely complain about this shutdown since it will endanger their access to vital trade corridors.

Strained Relations Between India and Bangladesh

Relations between India and Bangladesh have taken a downward spiral since last year, following the political upheaval in Bangladesh that saw Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ousted. Her departure fueled attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, leading to widespread condemnation from India. This has undoubtedly worsened the already delicate ties between the two nations.

Although a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus was conducted in an attempt to lessen tensions, it appeared that the talks contributed little towards resolution of the issues. The recent suspension of major trade facilities, such as the transhipment system and the yarn import suspension, came after their talks, citing that political differences still eclipsed trade relations.

Ban & Pak Building Stronger Ties

Bangladesh’s economic relations with Pakistan also seem to be strengthening as it extends direct shipping lines with Islamabad. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, is in Dhaka for the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC), where it is expected that strengthening trade relations between the two nations is a matter of discussion.

Pakistan, eager to boost its exports, is interested in exporting products like cotton, sugar, rice, and wheat. Bangladesh’s exports to Pakistan during the 2023–24 financial year, as per trade figures, amounted to $61.98 million. Imports from Pakistan to Bangladesh, however, were a much higher $627.8 million.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, said, “Pakistan views potential for increasing exports to Bangladesh, particularly if their goods are price-competitive.” The development is significant as Bangladesh looks towards Pakistan while its relationship with India becomes more uncertain.

Ind-Ban Trade Statistics

India continues to be one of Bangladesh’s biggest trade partners. The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) states that the bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh stood at $12.90 billion in FY24. India exported more than 5,620 products to Bangladesh in the last year, with key exports being cotton, mineral fuels, vehicles, machinery, and food industry residues.

However, Bangladesh’s export to India was much smaller, totaling just $1.8 billion. The disparity in trade volume highlights the importance of India as a major source of essential goods for this neighbouring country, particularly in sectors like textiles, food grains, and electronics.

High Stakes of Trade for Economy of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a huge trade deficit with India, and hence the relationship is very vital to its economy and is dependent greatly on India for raw material and essential goods imports. The textile sector, being a key pillar of Bangladesh’s economy, contributes 11 percent to the GDP of the country.

India plays a key role in supplying cotton to Bangladesh, exporting 35 percent of its total cotton output to the country. Suspension of this trade would be disastrous to Bangladesh’s textile industry, and it would have severe economic consequences.

Scindia Hits Back, Calls Northeast India Nation’s Growth Engine

April 8, 2025, 4:55 pm

Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, gave a scathing response to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s inflammatory statements regarding the Northeast. Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit, Scindia positioned the region not as landlocked or circumscribed—but as the “engine of the train that powers India.” With trade connections from Tripura to Germany and Nagaland to Dubai, the minister pointed to the Northeast’s speedy makeover. His defense of growth in Northeast India also had a deeper message: India is not letting anyone define the regional narrative, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

Bangladesh’s ‘Ocean Guardian’ Remark Sparks Tension

In Beijing, Muhammad Yunus had termed Bangladesh as the “sole guardian of the ocean” for India’s Seven Sister landlocked states. He challenged China to turn Bangladesh into an economic hub that could feed into Chinese production and international exports. The going-viral statement roused political vitriol in India.

Scindia didn’t mince words. “Some nations might not be landlocked, but they don’t possess the muscle of India’s Ashtalakshmi,” he told, referring to the eight states in the northeast. He emphasized that the states are all increasing at almost 12%—way above national averages. This speed, he asserted, is what makes the region the fulcrum of India’s economic boom.

Northeast as India’s Global Gateway

Growth figures only, Scindia highlighted the way Northeast India is intricately linked to international trade. He took examples—Tripura pineapples soaring to Germany and Nagaland chillies reaching Dubai—to make the case that the region is already influencing international markets. “Our ability to influence the Global North as well as South is phenomenal,” he added.

He also reminded the audience that the Northeast has more than 6,000 km of international borders. “Its connectivity with the Global South is unparalleled,” he stated. “We need to look outward—not only at the Global North, but at the South too.”

With the Indo-Pacific emerging as the new theater of geopolitical competition, Scindia’s message was unambiguous: Northeast India growth is not only local development—it’s a strategic response to any narrative that excludes India’s eastern border.

Muhammad Yunus is singing Pakistan’s tune

April 3, 2025, 2:03 am

Bangladesh government caretaker, Muhammad Yunus seems to fancy himself as a leader of international status, just because he has had the backing of the Democratic establishment in the United States. So much so that he is now trying to decide the future of the Indian subcontinent, by literally offering India’s Northeast to China—that is the only way to interpret the statement he made during his China visit. “The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the Seven Sisters. They are a landlocked…country…region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We (Bangladesh) are the only guardian of the ocean for this region,” he said. It is not known from which geography book Yunus has been taking his lessons that he thinks India’s Northeast—which he initially misidentified as a country—is landlocked and does not have any access to the sea. Also what made him arrogate himself as the “guardian of the ocean” when his country has a coastline of a mere 710 km, and the ocean is named after India, which has thousands of kilometres of coastline along that “ocean”? Also, no state in India is landlocked because they have full access to the whole country’s coastline, with innumerable ports, giving even the remotest corner of the country full access to the sea. It’s just a matter of connectivity—building infrastructure to ensure ease of access. With the focus that the current government is giving on connectivity, this is true even for the Northeast, which has witnessed major infrastructure boom in the last ten years. Yunus cannot rewrite geopolitics by erasing India from the Indian subcontinent.

But the problem is deeper. The problem is in Yunus’ intent, rather his malicious intent. On the one hand Yunus is trying to stir the insurgency pot in the Northeast, by alluding to the supposed grievances of the region, and on the other he is offering China to use Bangladesh as a base to encircle India’s Northeast, thus increasing India’s security problems. It’s an open invitation to meddling by hitting India where it will hurt most, in the Northeast, which is connected to the rest of the country with a narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the chicken’s neck. Right from the time Yunus has been installed in power, voices have been heard in his administration about targeting the Siliguri Corridor and dismembering and thus weakening India. There is talk in Bangladesh of reviving an air force base at Lalmonirhat, near the border with India and right next to the Siliguri corridor, thus constantly threatening India. But they also have the realization that such things are easier said than done, because of India’s sheer heft, hence Yunus has resorted to wooing China.
At the same time he is speaking of being in the best of terms with India. This is sheer duplicity. The buzz is that India did not allow Yunus to travel to India, and hence he went to China. It seems the China visit was meant to teach India a lesson, and to an extent his comments were driven by spite. But then Yunus has been spiteful towards India right from the day he has taken office because of India’s strong links with his archenemy, Sheikh Hasina. He has not paid any heed to India’s concerns about the state of the minorities in his country, about how jihadis have been targeting them, how Bangladesh has been descending into anarchy and street violence was becoming the norm. He has always brushed aside India’s concerns and has accused India of exaggeration. Till date, he has not done anything to reassure India that he will not act against India’s interests. It is obvious that his deep rooted animosity towards India stems from his and his jihadis’ strong links with Pakistan. Yunus has been taking Bangladesh closer to Pakistan. It was on Islamabad’s instigation that Dhaka suggested that New Delhi should help it revive SAARC, of which Pakistan is a part—the SAARC which India has removed from among its foreign policy agenda because of the Pakistan factor. Pakistan has been weaponising Yunus to needle India, so it should not come as a surprise if the statements he made in Beijing were also fed to him by the generals of Rawalpindi HQ.

But Yunus may realise sooner than later that China does not decide its foreign policy on the whims and fancies of its vassal states. Its policies are dictated solely by its own interests and that India-China relations operate at a different level. There is no doubt that it’s a difficult relationship, especially since China does not want India to rise. But China too realises that letting relations sour with India has been one of its biggest foreign policy mistakes in the 21st century, the reason why it is making placatory noises now. That India has no reason to trust China, is a topic for another day. For the time being, Yunus should be more worried about the fact that he is offering his country on a platter to a predatory China. This is bound to make his country go belly up, the way all Chinese vassal states have gone. Yunus is suffering from delusions of grandeur. When his fall comes, it will be a hard one.

Yunus in Beijing: China and Bangladesh to Sign Key Agreements

March 28, 2025, 9:29 am

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, in Beijing on Friday, according to Chinese state media. The visit takes place as Bangladesh seeks to expand its diplomatic and economic partnerships amid shifting relations with India.

Strengthening Ties with China

Yunus is on a four-day visit to China aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and attracting investment. Earlier, he attended the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan. This marks his first official bilateral trip since assuming office in August 2024. Additionally, the visit aligns with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-China diplomatic ties.

Moreover, Yunus is accompanied by key officials, including Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, High Representative Khalilur Rahman, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

Trade and Investment Prospects

According to the Dhaka Tribune, Yunus announced in a national address on Tuesday that Longji, China’s largest solar panel manufacturer, is exploring the possibility of establishing a factory in Bangladesh.

“We are working with them,” he stated. Furthermore, he mentioned that discussions will also focus on technical cooperation, medical assistance, affordable healthcare, and trade. Notably, China has expressed interest in importing mangoes, jackfruit, and guavas from Bangladesh, with exports expected to commence soon.

Agreements and Future Cooperation

Following discussions between Yunus and Xi, Bangladesh and China are set to sign multiple agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements will cover human resource development, economic and technical cooperation, cultural exchanges, sports initiatives, and media collaborations.

Political Shifts and Relations with India

Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government in August 2024 after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising. Following her removal, she reportedly sought refuge in New Delhi. As a result, relations between Bangladesh and India have become tense, with the interim government signaling its intention to request her extradition to face charges.

According to India Today, Yunus’s visit to China on Bangladesh Liberation Day carries symbolic significance, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh in a letter to Yunus on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day.

Muhammad Yunus is getting a reality check

March 27, 2025, 12:40 am

Ahead of next week’s BIMSTEC meeting in Thailand, there is speculation on any possible bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh caretaker of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, following a request from the latter’s country. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reportedly, has told a parliamentary panel that the Bangladeshi proposal was “under consideration”. There is also speculation that the meeting is unlikely to take place, which is the way it should be. Any such meeting is best avoided as Yunus does not have the required legitimacy to have a bilateral with the elected head of government of the world’s largest democracy, a constitutional post holder. Just by getting himself declared the caretaker of a so-called interim government, Yunus does not acquire the status of a head of government. According to Bangladesh’s own Constitution, elections must be held inside 90 days of the ouster/fall of a government. Seven months after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from Dhaka’s seat of power, there is no sign of Bangladesh holding any election. In fact, the election is being delayed under the pretext of reforming the system. Even if an election is held sometime later this year, there is no guarantee that it would be free and fair, given the attempts being made to ban the country’s oldest and biggest mainstream political party, Hasina’s Awami League.

There are also reports that Yunus had wanted to come to India, but was spurned by New Delhi. Those lamenting the fact that he has gone to China first, instead of coming to India, need to remember Yunus’ borderline hostility towards India right from the beginning, especially until the time he thought he had US President Joe Biden’s backing and could get away bypassing India’s concerns. In fact, he was getting away with it. He paid zero heed to India when it raised the issue of minority oppression by radical extremists in Bangladesh. He passed it off as propaganda by big countries, thus obviously referring to India. Till date, he refuses to admit that he has not been able to rein in the jihadi elements running amok in Bangladesh. It’s only recently that Yunus has become more conciliatory towards India, as with the ascent of Donald Trump, Yunus has realised that the current administration might actually hold him accountable for the horrifying persecution of minorities and political activists aligned with the Awami League in Bangladesh. US DNI Tulsi Gabbard has already sounded the alarm bells during her visit to India, while President Trump has left Bangladesh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take care of. Hence, it is no surprise that Yunus is looking to mend ties with India. But he cannot be trusted, for his agenda is just an extension of the Pakistani agenda, as evident from his latest suggestion that India should revive the SAARC. One of the reasons India has shifted focus from SAARC to BIMSTEC is to limit Pakistan’s influence in the neighbourhood, leaving Islamabad fuming. However, by aligning with a failed state, a terrorist state, all that Yunus achieved was being sternly rebuked by India for normalising terror.

Yunus has been taking great pride as an “international player”. But his “international” status is the result of benevolence from a particular side of the American political spectrum. He does not have bipartisan support, because of which he is now running around trying to befriend Elon Musk on the one hand, and India on the other. The US, which was turning a blind eye to all the excesses taking place in Bangladesh, is now more willing to pay heed to what’s happening there. This week, there was a congressional briefing on “Rising Radical Islamism, Chinese Influence, Minority Oppression in Bangladesh” organised by HinduACTion, where speakers sought “bipartisan effort” to impose the Magnitsky sanctions on Yunus and his Islamist backers. The Magnitsky Act imposes sanctions on those involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption. In other words, the world is getting ready to hold Yunus accountable and all his claims of being an international player may not save him, eventually. The issue of Bangladesh has been internationalised, and Yunus and Co can no longer dismiss it as “exaggerated propaganda” spread by India. Henceforth, he should be careful about every step he takes, for the world is watching. Also, the bilateral he seeks with the Indian Prime Minister can wait. Let him rush into China’s embrace, but that does not change the fact that his puny country is surrounded on three sides by India. Bangladesh will be a basket case without India. That’s a geographical reality no amount of Pakistani and Chinese embrace can change.

UN Chief Guterres Discusses Bangladesh’s Reforms and Rohingya Crisis

March 15, 2025, 4:30 pm

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently met Bangladesh’s Chief Muhammad Yunus to discuss the country’s internal matters and the Rohingya refugee crisis. He expressed his support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms and transition process.

Ramadan Solidarity Visit to Bangladesh

Guterres is visiting Bangladesh from March 13-16 as part of his “Ramadan Solidarity” tour. During his visit, he traveled to Cox’s Bazar, where he met Rohingya refugees and thanked Bangladesh for hosting them. He also praised the strong cooperation between the United Nations and Bangladesh, particularly in peacekeeping efforts.

Meeting with Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar

While in Cox’s Bazar, Guterres listened to the experiences of young Rohingya men and women. Many children expressed their gratitude for receiving education in refugee camps but also shared their longing for their homeland in Myanmar. He met young people who hoped to return home one day but feared upcoming funding cuts that would reduce their monthly food aid from $12.50 to just $6.

Guterres assured them that he would do everything possible to prevent the funding cuts. He also apologized for the UN and the international community’s failure to end the conflict in Myanmar.

Iftar with 100,000 Rohingya Refugees

Guterres joined an Iftar meal with around 100,000 Rohingya refugees, emphasizing his respect for their religion and culture. He warned that the funding cuts could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis. “Many people will suffer, and some might even die,” he said.

He strongly urged the international community to take action. “My voice will not end until the international community understands that they have the obligation to invest now in the Rohingya refugees,” he stated. Yunus also attended the Iftar and later held a bilateral meeting with Guterres.

Concerns Over Funding Cuts

Reflecting on his last visit to Cox’s Bazar in 2018, Guterres acknowledged that the challenges for refugees remain severe. He stressed that reducing support for Rohingyas during Ramadan, a time of solidarity, would be unacceptable. “We will do everything not to make it happen,” he assured.

Meetings with Bangladeshi Officials

Guterres also met Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md Towhid Hossain and Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Issues. With Hossain, he discussed Bangladesh’s ongoing political transition and reforms. In his meeting with Rahman, they talked about the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state and an upcoming high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis.

Guterres reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Rohingya refugees and ensuring continued international support for their well-being.

“Step Down, Killer Yunus!” Protesters Erupt In DC As Bangladesh Minorities Face Attacks | Watch

February 13, 2025, 11:51 pm

Hundreds of protesters belonging to the Awami League and its allied organisations held rallies outside Blair House in Washington, DC, protesting vehemently against Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Protesters held slogans calling for his resignation, shouting again and again, “Step down, step down! Killer Yunus, killer Yunus.”

#WATCH | People, under the aegis of ‘Awami League and its sister organizations’ raise slogans against Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus outside Blair House in Washington, DC (US). PM Modi is staying at the Blair House.

Slogans of “Step down, step down! Killer Yunus,… pic.twitter.com/NLuFSXF9Ov

— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025

The protests reflected ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had resigned. The demonstrations also highlighted cases of religious minority violence in the nation. In a report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, mass violence broke out in mid-2024 when protests by students over employment quotas compelled Hasina to resign and flee to India. The violence was said to have resulted in targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities, with mobs burning down houses and places of worship.

Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, were heavily impacted by the violence. Reports by news agency AP quote the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council as recording 2,010 cases of communal violence in the period August 4 to 20 last year. They comprised attacks on 69 temples, acts of arson and vandalism, and physical attacks, leaving casualties and injuries.

The crisis has also raised increased concerns regarding religious and ethnic persecution in Bangladesh. Washington protesters condemned the increasing violence and accused Yunus of not being able to safeguard minority communities. The Bangladeshi government, on the other hand, remains silent regarding the international condemnation and intervention calls. With tensions still high, international focus continues to be on the nation’s response to political and communal disturbances.

Alex Soros Meets Muhammad Yunus After US Cuts Aid to Bangladesh

January 30, 2025, 5:28 pm

Open Society Foundations (OSF) Chairperson Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, met with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting happened just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a halt in aid to Bangladesh.

This is the second time within three months they are meeting; they had earlier met in New York in October 2024.

OSF Supports Bangladesh’s Interim Government

Sharing the news of the meeting by his X (formerly Twitter) account, Yunus said Soros and OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee expressed their support to the interim government of Bangladesh and its reform agenda.

“The leadership of the Open Society Foundations met with Bangladesh’s chief interim adviser on Wednesday to discuss how to restore the economy, track looted assets, address misinformation, and undertake critical economic reforms,” Yunus wrote.

DHAKA, January 29: The Open Society Foundations leadership on Wednesday met Chief Adviser to discuss Bangladesh’s efforts to rebuild the economy, trace siphoned-off assets, combat misinformation, and carry out vital economic reforms.#Bangladesh #ChiefAdviser pic.twitter.com/CRHyEEeleA

— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) January 30, 2025

During the previous meeting held on 3rd October, Soros referred to Yunus as “an old friend of my father.” There is an allegation that Yunus provides economic support to George Soros, though there is no evidence available.

Involvement of OSF in International Political Changes

The OSF has been accused of interfering with political changes in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Analysts believe that the organization had a hand in the ouster of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Hasina had previously accused the US of interfering in Bangladesh’s political affairs but did not provide specifics.

Soros’ Influence in India

George Soros and OSF have also been under scrutiny in India. Reports alleged that Soros-backed groups linked OSF to the Adani Group controversy by participating in the OCCRP investigation into Adani’s offshore investments.

Additionally, India’s ruling BJP has accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of connections with Soros-funded organizations. OSF’s activities in India remain controversial due to their reported support for groups critical of government policies.

Bangladesh Minority Attacks: Yunus Labels Them ‘Politically Motivated,’ Sparks Controversy

January 12, 2025, 8:30 am

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has categorised recent violence against minority groups as predominantly “politically motivated,” despite widespread claims of communal targeting. The Dhaka Tribune reported that a police investigation into incidents from August 4 to August 20 found that 98.4% of the 1,415 reported cases of attacks and vandalism against minorities were politically driven. Only 1.59% of the cases were attributed to communal reasons, according to the authorities.

The findings emerged as the government faced scrutiny following the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. During this period, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 2,010 incidents of communal violence, though critics argue the actual number may be significantly higher.

Breakdown of the Investigations

Out of the 1,769 incidents reported, 1,415 were investigated by police, with 354 cases still under review. Among the investigated cases, 1,254 were substantiated, while 161 were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Police stated that 1,452 incidents (82.8%) occurred on August 5, a day marked by widespread unrest following Hasina’s ousting. Additional reports revealed 134 communal violence complaints between August 5 and January 8.

The authorities claim to have conducted extensive investigations, which included visiting affected areas, engaging with institutions and victims, and encouraging formal complaints. Despite these efforts, critics have accused the government of downplaying the communal aspect of the violence.

Government’s Response and Assurance

To address the growing concerns, the Yunus administration emphasised its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for communal violence. Officials assured that victims of such attacks would receive compensation and pledged to protect minority rights. The police also introduced a WhatsApp group to streamline the reporting of incidents, involving representatives from minority student groups.

While the government’s narrative frames the attacks as politically driven, questions remain about the extent of communal violence and the adequacy of measures taken to safeguard minority communities.

Time to read the riot act to Muhammad Yunus

December 26, 2024, 4:48 am

If there is anything crystal clear about the situation in Bangladesh, it is that the Muhammad Yunus government is unelected and brought to power undemocratically, with military support in a coup backed by the United States. This can be said without indulging in any whataboutery about the Hasina government. Even if Hasina is branded a dictator, nothing changes the fact that the Yunus government is illegitimate and unconstitutional.

According to the Bangladeshi Constitution, electing a new government must take place inside three months inside the fall of a government—three months that are long gone, since Hasina had stepped down on 5 August. Ever since Yunus has been installed in Dhaka by the Americans—he has the backing of Democrats such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama—there has been talk of reforming the electoral system and then holding election. But as it is becoming increasingly apparent, there is no deadline for reforming that system, notwithstanding Yunus’ vague promise of holding the elections perhaps towards the end of 2025 or 2026.

It’s possibly fearing rising criticism that the US has helped install an illegitimate government in Dhaka that the White House decided to speak with Yunus this week. However, the readout of the phone call between NSA Jake Sullivan and Yunus is hypocritical, because it mentions democracy, no sign of which is there in Bangladesh, and this in spite of the spin given about a students’ revolution unshackling the country from the grip of a dictator. “Sullivan re-iterated the United States’ support for a prosperous, stable, and democratic Bangladesh”, says the readout.

Unless of course it was a signal to Yunus that he should start the process of holding elections. Also significant was the mention of human rights in the readout: “Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all people, regardless of religion.” It seems news about the widespread persecution of the minorities in Bangladesh has started trickling into the ears of even a tone deaf Biden White House.

However, given the Jamaat’s hold over the Yunus government, chances are some token directives will be passed off as ensuring the rights of minorities, but the persecution will continue—because such is the nature of the Jamaat and its allied groups As for the elections, moves are afoot to ensure that the Awami League is delegitimised and barred from participating in the elections, which will be terribly undemocratic if it materialises.

Amid this what is particularly concerning for India is the hostility of the Bangladesh government towards this country. In spite of constant provocation through word and deed by Bangladesh, India was gracious enough to send its foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, to speak to the Yunus government, including Yunus himself. The message was given that India was willing to work with Bangladesh to stabilise relations. But soon after Misri’s visit, Bangladesh named India as being involved “in Bangladesh’s system of enforced disappearances,” during Hasina’s rule—a case of casting baseless aspersions. Dhaka then followed it up with a note verbale—an unsigned diplomatic note—to India’s Ministry of External Affairs that Hasina should be handed over under an extradition treaty signed by the two countries in 2013.

Bangladesh knows full well that India will not hand over Hasina and that there are enough provisions in the 2013 treaty to overturn Dhaka’s request, including terminating the treaty by giving a notice through diplomatic channels. But in spite of that it decided to needle India. Bangladesh says Hasina will face a “fair trial” once she returns. But how can a country where there is a complete breakdown of the justice system, conduct a trial of a leader it has branded as a public enemy? What are the guarantees that Hasina would not face mob violence if she is sent back to Dhaka? Hasina has been India’s friend. What message will India give to the world if it does not stand by its friend?

The other matter that is worrying India is the rise of Islamist radicalism in Bangladesh—Islamists who are not only targeting the minorities but also doing a lot of sabre rattling against India. The threat of terrorism emanating from Bangladesh is real, given Yunus’ closeness to Pakistan and willingness to take a leaf out of Rawalpindi’s anti-India playbook. Yunus has released several anti-India terrorists whom Hasina had put in jail. There is speculation that Pakistan is transporting containers full of arms by ship to Bangladesh.

Additionally, there is the possibility of Bangladeshi Jamaat and other radicals activating the innumerable sleeper cells it has in this country to cause mayhem. In recent weeks, India has been witnessing several arrests of Bangladeshis with links to extremist groups. All this has the potential to make India’s eastern borders extremely volatile. So it’s time to read the riot act to Yunus, to remind him that a country surrounded on three sides by India, cannot afford to indulge in anti-India activities. He should be told that there are several means of bringing Bangladesh to its knees and any attempt to promote chaos in India will have serious consequences that may be difficult for his country to bear.

‘Non-Partisan, Caretake Govt System’ Introduced in Bangladesh

December 17, 2024, 4:44 pm

From today onwards Bangladesh, which has been in the international human rights news for atrocities against Hindus and the recent conflict when the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina flee the country, will be following a neutral caretaker government system, the lawyers of the High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court said.

The High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court on Tuesday partially annulled the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution and reinstated the non-partisan, neutral caretaker government system, the lawyers said.

The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury gave the verdict. The main part of the judgment was read by Senior Justice Farah Mahbub.

Observing the judgment, the court said that the caretaker government was based on political consensus. That is why it has become the fundamental basis of the constitution.

The High Court, in its observation, said that the basic structure of the constitution was destroyed by the Fifteenth Amendment. But the Fifteenth Amendment will not be completely repealed.

The court also said that the basic structure of the constitution is democracy. Only fair and acceptable elections can establish democracy. The beauty of the constitution is the empowerment of the people, the people are the source of all power.

Also read: Gold Consumption in India To Grow 14-18 pc in FY 2025: ICRA Report

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruled to abolish the caretaker government system by the Fifteenth amendment of the constitution of Bangladesh in 2011.

On December 16, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said that Bangladesh’s next general elections could be scheduled between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. He made the statement during his address to the nation on Victory Day, marking Bangladesh’s victory in the 1971 Liberation War.

In his address, Yunus emphasised the importance of political consensus to move forward with elections. He said, “If political consensus allows us, again, to conduct elections based on accurate electoral rolls with a few reforms, it may be possible to hold elections by the end of 2025.”

Yunus acknowledged, however, that additional time might be needed to implement the necessary reforms. He further said, “And if we add to this the extent of reforms expected in terms of the electoral process and the Electoral Reforms Commission’s recommendations and on the basis another six months may be required.”

He clarified that the timeline for the elections could be fixed between late 2025 and the first half of 2026. “Roughly speaking, the timing of elections can be fixed between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026,” he stated.

His comments came amid political instability in Bangladesh. On August 5, a student-led movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and violence that led to over 600 deaths. Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Yunus took charge.

Yunus Confirms Bangladesh Polls Could Happen by Late 2025

December 16, 2024, 11:28 am

Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that the national election will likely take place between late 2025 and mid-2026. In a televised address, Yunus emphasized the need for reforms before finalizing the election date.

Election Timeline Confirmed

Yunus addressed the nation, stating, “Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026.” He clarified that the timing depends on achieving political consensus and completing essential reforms.

Reason for the Delay

Yunus explained why the elections could not happen sooner. He highlighted the importance of creating a strong foundation for credible polls. “If, and I repeat, ‘if,’ due to political consensus, we have to hold the election on the basis of a flawless preparation of the voter list with minor reforms, then it may be possible to hold the elections by the end of 2025,” Yunus said.

He added, “If we include the expected level of reforms in the electoral process, in line with the recommendations of the Election Reforms Commission and based on national consensus, then it may take at least another six months.”

Tackling Challenges

Yunus acknowledged the difficulties of his role. He described the task of restoring democratic institutions in Bangladesh as “extremely tough.” Despite the challenges, he remains committed to rebuilding trust in governance.

The 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner assumed his position after an August 2024 revolution ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Protesters stormed the prime minister’s palace in Dhaka, forcing Hasina, 77, to flee to India by helicopter.

Allegations Against the Previous Regime

Yunus pointed to widespread abuses under Hasina’s 15-year rule. Her government faced accusations of undermining democracy by politicizing the judiciary and staging biased elections. It was also linked to human rights violations, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political opponents.

With these challenges in mind, Yunus assured the public of his dedication to creating a transparent electoral process. He believes this is essential to restoring faith in Bangladesh’s democracy.

Bangladesh Calls For EU Visa Centres In Dhaka Amid India’s Restrictions On Travel

December 10, 2024, 6:38 pm

Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, has urged European countries to relocate their visa centres for Bangladeshi nationals from Delhi to Dhaka or a nearby country, citing India’s visa restrictions as the cause of significant disruption. Yunus made the appeal during a meeting with over 19 diplomats from Dhaka and New Delhi in Dhaka’s Tejgaon.

He expressed concerns that Indian restrictions on visas were creating uncertainty for Bangladeshi students who were previously required to travel to Delhi to obtain European visas. This situation could potentially prevent talented students from pursuing higher education in Europe. Yunus argued that moving the visa offices to Dhaka or a neighboring country would not only alleviate these difficulties but also benefit both Bangladesh and the European Union.

The meeting also highlighted the example of Bulgaria, which had already relocated its visa centres for Bangladeshis to Indonesia and Vietnam. European diplomats expressed their support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts and pledged to help the country build a better future.

In addition to visa concerns, Yunus addressed the spread of misinformation about Bangladesh and sought EU assistance in countering it. He also accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates of financial misconduct, further stating that he had been in discussions with representatives from all political parties and religious communities in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Dhaka reported that India had agreed to take steps to increase visa issuance for Bangladeshis after Yunus’s meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Sheikh Hasina First Public Address: Blasts Yunus Over Genocide, Minority Persecution Claims

December 5, 2024, 3:19 pm

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh in a recent virtual event in New York has attacked Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus stating that he has engaged in “genocide” and failed to protect the religious minorities, particularly Hindus. She also pointed out the violence that has recently escalated against various minority communities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, alleging that Yunus was behind this well-organized campaign of persecution.

This public address marked Hasina’s first since fleeing Bangladesh to take refuge in India following mass anti-government protests in August. Hasina revealed that the protests had escalated to the point where she was forced to leave her official residence in Dhaka under pressure from armed demonstrators who had targeted the presidential palace, Ganabhaban. She recalled a tense moment when security forces were on the verge of opening fire to defend her, a situation she claimed could have led to a massacre had it not been for her instructions to refrain from using force.

In her speech, Hasina described Yunus as the mastermind behind the genocide, a claim she linked to the violence against minorities. She accused the current government of failing to intervene as places of worship, including Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines, were destroyed. She also criticized the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, in connection with protests against the violence.

Hasina further alleged that there had been a plot to assassinate her and her sister, Sheikh Rehana, similar to the assassination of their father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. The former Prime Minister reiterated her belief that the violence would not subside, despite her decision to leave Bangladesh in hopes of halting it.

In response to Hasina’s accusations, India expressed deep concern about the growing violence against minorities in Bangladesh and the “surge” in extremist rhetoric. The Indian government called on the interim government to fulfill its responsibilities in protecting all citizens, especially minority groups, and ensure that cases like the arrest of the Hindu monk were handled transparently and justly.

The deteriorating relationship between India and Bangladesh, following Yunus’s rise to power, highlights the increasing international pressure on the interim administration to safeguard religious freedoms and uphold human rights within the country.

Bangladesh Seeks Review Of Power Deals Signed By Sheikh Hasina, Including Adani Group Agreement

November 24, 2024, 10:29 pm

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has launched a comprehensive review of power purchase agreements signed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2024.

The National Review Committee on Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, formed under the amended Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply Act, 2010, is focusing on seven significant projects, including a deal with India’s Adani Group.

Adani Group’s Godda Coal Plant Under Scrutiny

A major focus of the review is the Adani (Godda) BIFPCL 1234.4 MW coal-fired plant. Built in Jharkhand exclusively to supply power to Bangladesh, this plant has recently become a point of contention.

The Adani Group has claimed USD 800 million in unpaid dues for power supplied.
Bangladesh’s state-run Power Development Board countered, stating they had already paid USD 150 million and plan to clear the remaining amount soon despite facing a dollar crisis.

Concerns Over Other Power Agreements

Apart from the Adani deal, six other agreements are under review, including:

A 1320 MW coal-fired plant built by a Chinese company.
Contracts with Bangladeshi business groups linked to Sheikh Hasina’s administration.

The review committee, led by retired High Court judge Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury, reported “enormous proof” of irregularities in the agreements.

Recommendations and Next Steps

The committee has recommended hiring top-tier international legal and investigative agencies to examine these deals further. The statement highlights that some agreements may require cancellation or renegotiation under international arbitration laws.

The team also requested more time to analyze other solicited and unsolicited contracts signed during Hasina’s regime.

Impact on India-Bangladesh Energy Cooperation

India views energy collaboration as a cornerstone of bilateral ties with Bangladesh. The Adani Group’s thermal plant underscores this cooperation but has also led to recent friction.

India’s new legislation now allows the Adani Group to sell power in its domestic market, potentially impacting future energy agreements.

The outcome of Bangladesh’s review could have significant implications for regional energy partnerships and Sheikh Hasina’s legacy.

Bangladesh Seeks Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Amidst Massacre Charges

November 17, 2024, 10:10 pm

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, is taking bold steps to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. The Nobel laureate revealed plans to hold Hasina accountable for her alleged role in violent protests that claimed hundreds of lives.

Yunus Targets Accountability for Protest Deaths

In a televised address marking his first 100 days in office, Yunus announced the government’s commitment to justice. “We will seek the return of Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial for the July-August massacres,” he stated. Yunus also confirmed discussions with International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan regarding the extradition.

Interpol Red Corner Notice Issued

On November 12, Bangladesh’s special tribunal requested Interpol to issue a red corner notice for Hasina’s arrest. Prosecutor B.M. Sultan Mahmud confirmed the notice aims to alert global law enforcement about Hasina’s fugitive status.

Hasina Summoned to Dhaka Court

Sheikh Hasina has been summoned to appear in Dhaka court on November 18. She faces charges of crimes against humanity, including massacres during the protests. Law Advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized, “We will bring back those responsible for the killings, wherever they are hiding.”

Death Toll Surges Beyond 1,000

The political unrest in Bangladesh has claimed over 1,000 lives since mid-July. Protests erupted against Hasina’s government, leading to widespread violence and her eventual escape to India on August 5.

Odhikar Highlights 8 Extrajudicial Killings in Bangladesh’s Unrest

November 17, 2024, 8:23 am

Odhikar, a human rights organization in Bangladesh, has reported a rise in human rights abuses between August 9 and September 30. The report focuses on extrajudicial killings following the assumption of power by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus on August 8.

According to the report, at least eight people were killed in extrajudicial actions. One person allegedly died from police torture, while another was tortured by the Narcotics Control Department. Three victims were tortured to death by joint forces, and three more were shot by the same forces.

Political Violence and Lynching

From August 9 to September 30, political violence led to 52 deaths and 1,308 injuries. The report also highlights 67 lynchings from July to September. Of these, 36 occurred between July 1 and August 5, and 31 between August 9 and September 30.

However, no cases of enforced disappearances were reported in the latter period.

Journalists Targeted

The report also notes an alarming rise in attacks on journalists. Between August 9 and September 30, four journalists were injured, two were assaulted, and three were threatened. Additionally, three journalists faced legal cases while carrying out their work.

Casualties in Student Protests

The report also covers the student-led protests from July 1 to August 5. According to data from the Students Movement Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, 1,581 people, including children, were killed, and over 18,000 were injured.

Odhikar’s findings paint a concerning picture of increasing violence, political unrest, and attacks on press freedom in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s Residence to Become Revolution Museum, Says Muhammad Yunus

October 28, 2024, 7:50 pm

Nobel laureate and caretaker leader Muhammad Yunus announced plans to transform former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s residence, the Ganabhaban palace, into a museum commemorating the revolution that led to her ouster. Yunus, appointed as Bangladesh’s “chief advisor” following Hasina’s departure, stated that the museum would honor the “people’s anger” and record memories of Hasina’s alleged misrule. The announcement came during his visit to the heavily damaged Ganabhaban, now described by officials as a “symbol of repression.”

Controversial Legacy of Hasina’s 15-Year Rule

Sheikh Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, faced allegations of human rights abuses, including mass detentions and extrajudicial killings of political dissidents. Last month, her rule ended abruptly after a student-led uprising forced her to flee to India on August 5. During the police crackdown that preceded her departure, over 700 people reportedly died. In the aftermath, thousands stormed her residence, vandalizing its walls with graffiti condemning her administration.

Among the museum’s features will be a replica of the “Aynaghar” or “House of Mirrors” detention center, a facility where detainees were reportedly kept in isolation, forced to see only themselves in mirrored walls. “The Aynaghar should remind visitors of the torture endured by secret prisoners,” Yunus explained. Hasina’s regime was criticized for its handling of political prisoners, with the Aynaghar becoming notorious as a site of alleged torture.

Construction Timeline and Cultural Impact

Construction of the museum is expected to begin by December, according to Apurba Jahangir, a spokesperson from Yunus’s office. Plans have not yet begun, but officials assure that work will start soon. In related events, Hasina’s father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s museum was looted during the two-day chaos following her departure. Hasina, now 77, has remained out of public view since her escape and was last reported at a military airbase in New Delhi.

‘Go Back, Step Down’: Protests Erupt in US Against Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus

September 25, 2024, 10:09 am

Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8 following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country, faced protests by Bangladeshi nationals in the United States. The demonstrators, angered by alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, gathered outside a New York hotel where Yunus was staying for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

Protesters were seen chanting slogans such as “Go back” and “Step down,” and holding posters declaring, “Sheikh Hasina is our Prime Minister.” Videos of the protest circulated on social media, with participants accusing Yunus of seizing power through “dirty politics.”

One protester told, “Muhammad Yunus took power unconstitutionally and illegally. He captured power with dirty politics, and many people have been killed. Our elected PM, Sheikh Hasina, has not resigned. We humbly request the UN not to recognize him as the representative of the Bangladeshi people.”

Another protester added, “Yunus is an unelected leader who doesn’t care about minorities. He was appointed by students and has illegally taken control of the country.”

Yunus took over as head of the interim government following widespread protests against Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League-led government, which faced backlash over a controversial job quota system. The political crisis led to violence across the country, resulting in over 200 deaths. In the aftermath, some protesters targeted minority communities, vandalizing temples and committing acts of arson and looting.

On Tuesday, Yunus attended a high-level meeting at an event on the sidelines of the UNGA, where he emphasized the urgent need for the repatriation of over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh. He highlighted the significant economic, social, and environmental costs the country is incurring due to the refugee crisis and called for repatriation as the only sustainable solution.

Yunus also met with US President Joe Biden, where both leaders reaffirmed the “close partnership” between Bangladesh and the United States, rooted in shared democratic values. Biden expressed support for Bangladesh’s new reform agenda.

Earlier, Yunus held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, discussing issues of mutual interest. He is scheduled to address the UNGA’s general debate on Friday, September 27.

India Yet to Respond to Bangladesh’s Yunus-Modi Meeting Proposal

September 7, 2024, 7:30 pm

This week, Bangladesh formally requested a meeting between its interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders will be in New York for the UN General Assembly later this month. However, the Indian side has yet to respond to this request, and Modi’s schedule for bilateral meetings is still being finalized.

Yunus’s Controversial Remarks

The delay in confirming the meeting is reportedly linked to recent comments made by Yunus. In an interview with an Indian media outlet, Yunus criticized former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. Yunus suggested that Bangladesh might seek Hasina’s extradition and criticized India for allowing her to speak out while she is in their country. He remarked, “If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” and added, “Sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it. It’s not good for us or for India.”

Impact on Bilateral Relations

Yunus’s comments have not been well received in New Delhi. Sources close to the situation indicated that such remarks are not conducive to improving relations between the two countries. The Indian side has yet to publicly address Yunus’s statements, and there has been no official response regarding the request for a meeting.

India’s Position on Hasina

India’s leadership has defended its decision to grant Hasina shelter, stating that her visit was approved on short notice after her resignation on August 5. The Indian external affairs ministry has not commented on any potential request for her extradition, labeling it as a hypothetical scenario.

Future of Bilateral Relations

Yunus, who assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government following Hasina’s departure, had a phone conversation with Modi on August 16. During this call, Modi emphasized the need for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh amid post-coup violence. Yunus assured Modi that minority protection would be a priority and dismissed Indian media reports about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh as “exaggerated.”

Internal Challenges in Bangladesh

There is growing concern that Bangladesh’s interim government may be struggling to manage the situation effectively. Observers note that some factions within the caretaker setup appear to be working against each other, further complicating the country’s political landscape.