'If India wants to keep Hasina, the condition...': Bangladesh's Yunus
Muhammed Yunus, Bangladesh's interim head and chief advisor, has stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must remain silent during her stay in India. In an interview with PTI, he described Hasina's political comments from India as an "unfriendly gesture." "If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh (government) wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet," he said.
Yunus criticizes Hasina's political activity from India
Yunus expressed discomfort with Hasina's political activity from India, stating that "No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her." He added that her public statements are causing issues. "Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it; people would have also forgotten it as she would have been in her own world. But sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it," he said.
Bangladesh communicates stance to India
When asked if Bangladesh has communicated its stance to India, Yunus confirmed that they have verbally and firmly conveyed their position. He emphasized that Hasina's political campaigning from India is viewed as an unfriendly gesture. "She has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there. It is not that she has gone there on a normal course. She has fled following a people's uprising and public anger," he said.
Yunus calls for Hasina's return and trial
Yunus further stated that Hasina must return to Bangladesh to face trial. "Yes, she has to be brought back or else the people of Bangladesh won't be at peace. The kind of atrocities she has committed, she has to be tried in front of everyone here," he emphasized. He also criticized India's close ties with Hasina, suggesting that New Delhi is captivated by a narrative surrounding her and needs to move beyond it.
Yunus on India-Bangladesh ties, Adani electricity deal
Yunus also addressed future India-Bangladesh relations, mentioning the need to review certain agreements like the Adani electricity deal. "Everybody is saying...it is needed. We will see what is on paper...what is actually happening... I can't answer it specifically. If there is any need to review, we will then raise questions," he said. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has previously pledged to re-evaluate this "questionable" deal signed during the Awami League regime due to its impact on Bangladesh's people.
