'Dangerous': Hasina says extremist elements have gained influence under Yunus
What's the story
Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has condemned recent anti-India statements made by National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah. Abdullah had suggested that Bangladesh could harbor separatist forces from India and cut off the northeastern states from the rest of the country, owing to the "chicken's neck." In an email interview with news agency ANI, Hasina said, "Such statements are dangerous and irresponsible, reflecting the extremist elements that have gained influence under Yunus."
Regime criticism
Hasina criticizes Yunus-led regime for anti-India rhetoric
Hasina slammed the Yunus-led regime for allowing extremist voices to dictate foreign policy, stating that the current strain in India-Bangladesh ties is "entirely of Yunus's making." She said this "serves only ideological fantasies, not Bangladesh's national interests." The former PM asserted that India has every reason to be concerned by such statements, which do not reflect the views of most Bangladeshis who understand the importance of strong ties with New Delhi for prosperity and security.
Tension blame
Hasina blames Yunus for current India-Bangladesh tensions
Hasina accused Yunus's government of issuing hostile statements against India and failing to protect religious minorities, which "then expresses surprise when tensions rise." Despite these tensions, she emphasized that India has been Bangladesh's most steadfast friend and partner for decades, describing the ties between the nations as "deep and fundamental." The former PM expressed confidence that once democracy is restored in her country, relations will return to normalcy as they were under her previous governance.