'Yunus govt in B'desh giving shape to extremist policies'

The "violent and extremist" policies of Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus are responsible for friction with India, and supporters of the Awami League will not vote in the upcoming election because of the ban on the party that violates the country's Constitution, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Sheikh Hasina in 2022. The former Bangladesh PM has rejected the cases filed against her.

(AFP FILE)

Hasina, who has lived in self-exile in India since the fall of her government in August 2024, said in emailed responses sent to HT late on Thursday that "Yunus' sponsorship of extremists in his government" threatens to undermine the fundamental relationship between Bangladesh and India. She said in the interview that she was "deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a safe haven".

The interim government in Bangladesh headed by Muhammad Yunus has characterised your presence in India as one of the causes of frictions in bilateral relations and even sought your extradition. How do you view this matter?

India is and has always been Bangladesh's most important ally, and must remain so if Bangladesh's security and prosperity are to be maintained. If there is friction between India and Dr Yunus's unelected administration, that has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the chaotic, violent and extremist policies that are taking shape under Dr Yunus's rule. This includes physical and judicial attacks on religious minorities, retrograde social and religious policies, and even hostile rhetoric towards India from officials in Dhaka.

I want to make clear that this kind of hostility does not sit comfortably with most Bangladeshis. The connections between our two countries are broad and deep. We pride ourselves on being India's reliable partner. Speaking personally, I must add that I am deeply grateful to the Indian people for providing me with a safe haven this past year.

Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is expected to deliver its verdict in November in cases related to crimes against humanity filed against you and other senior Awami League leaders, and prosecutors have sought the death penalty. How do you view these cases against you?