Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sharply criticised the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, holding it responsible for the growing strain in relations between India and Bangladesh, two neighbours that have historically shared deep strategic, cultural, and economic ties. In her most direct remarks since stepping aside from power, Ms. Hasina said that the current diplomatic tension is “entirely of Yunus’ making”, accusing the interim administration of adopting a confrontational tone towards India and failing to ensure the safety of religious minorities.

Her comments have reignited political debate in Bangladesh and drawn close attention in New Delhi, where policymakers have long regarded Dhaka as a key regional partner in South Asia.

A Strongly Worded Accusation

Ms. Hasina’s statement reflects a significant escalation in rhetoric against the interim leadership. According to the former Prime Minister, relations with India were stable, cooperative, and forward-looking during her tenure, but have deteriorated rapidly following the political transition.

“The strain in relations did not emerge overnight. It is the result of deliberate choices and irresponsible statements made by the current leadership,” Ms. Hasina said, placing direct blame on Mr. Yunus and his administration.

She alleged that senior figures in the interim government had made public remarks critical of India, which, she argued, undermined decades of diplomatic goodwill built through consistent engagement and trust.

India-Bangladesh Relations Under Hasina

During Sheikh Hasina’s long tenure, India-Bangladesh relations reached unprecedented levels of cooperation. Key milestones included:

• Resolution of long-pending land boundary issues

• Enhanced security cooperation against cross-border militancy

• Expansion of trade, energy, and connectivity projects

• Close coordination on regional and multilateral platforms

New Delhi frequently described Dhaka as a “trusted partner”, and bilateral ties were often cited as a model for neighbourhood diplomacy.

Ms. Hasina now argues that these gains are at risk.

“Years of effort and mutual trust are being jeopardised by short-sighted politics,” she said.

Allegations of Hostile Rhetoric Against India

One of the central pillars of Ms. Hasina’s criticism is her claim that the interim government has allowed hostile rhetoric against India to go unchecked, both from within official circles and in public discourse.

She contended that:

• Statements by interim officials created unnecessary friction

• Anti-India narratives were not countered decisively

• Diplomatic engagement with New Delhi weakened

Such developments, she warned, could have long-term consequences for trade, security, and regional stability.

Political analysts note that rhetoric plays a crucial role in diplomacy, particularly in South Asia, where historical sensitivities and public opinion can quickly shape bilateral dynamics.

Religious Minorities at the Centre of the Debate

Another major allegation made by Ms. Hasina concerns the safety and protection of religious minorities, an issue that has long influenced India-Bangladesh relations.

She accused the interim government of:

• Failing to adequately protect minority communities

• Not responding firmly to incidents of violence or intimidation

• Sending the wrong signal domestically and internationally

“Protection of minorities is not just a domestic obligation; it also affects our international standing,” she said.

India has traditionally followed developments related to minority rights in neighbouring countries closely, given historical, cultural, and humanitarian considerations.

Impact on India’s Strategic Calculations

India views Bangladesh as a cornerstone of its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Stability in Dhaka is crucial for:

• Border security

• Counter-terrorism cooperation

• Regional connectivity to the Northeast

• Bay of Bengal maritime interests

Any deterioration in ties, experts say, complicates India’s regional strategy.

Ms. Hasina warned that the interim government’s approach could:

• Undermine mutual trust

• Delay joint infrastructure and energy projects

• Create space for external powers to influence Bangladesh

The Interim Government’s Perspective

The Yunus-led interim administration has maintained that it is committed to maintaining balanced and independent foreign relations. Supporters of the interim government argue that:

• Bangladesh must assert its sovereignty

• Diplomatic recalibration is natural during political transitions

• Criticism of India does not necessarily imply hostility

However, critics counter that assertiveness must be balanced with pragmatism, especially when dealing with a neighbour as influential as India.

Political Transition and Diplomatic Uncertainty

Bangladesh’s political transition has inevitably introduced uncertainty into its foreign policy. Interim governments often face:

• Limited political legitimacy

• Pressure from diverse domestic constituencies

• Heightened scrutiny from international partners

Ms. Hasina’s comments suggest that, in her view, the interim leadership has mismanaged this delicate phase, particularly in its dealings with India.

Domestic Political Undertones

Analysts note that Ms. Hasina’s remarks also carry strong domestic political undertones. As a former leader with a long-standing base of support, her criticism:

• Reinforces her foreign policy legacy

• Positions her as a defender of stable India ties

• Challenges the credibility of the interim leadership

Her supporters argue that Bangladesh’s economic growth and regional standing were closely tied to her pragmatic diplomacy.

Economic Stakes in Bilateral Relations

India is among Bangladesh’s largest trading partners. Bilateral economic cooperation includes:

• Trade in goods and services

• Energy imports and power grid connectivity

• Infrastructure and transit agreements

Any prolonged diplomatic strain could:

• Affect investor confidence

• Delay cross-border projects

• Impact regional supply chains

Ms. Hasina warned that economic consequences would ultimately be borne by ordinary citizens, not political elites.

Security Cooperation Under Strain

Security collaboration between India and Bangladesh has been one of the strongest pillars of bilateral ties. Joint efforts have included:

• Intelligence sharing

• Action against insurgent groups

• Border management

Experts caution that diplomatic mistrust could weaken this cooperation, with implications for regional security.

India’s Measured Response

India has so far adopted a cautious and measured tone, avoiding direct public confrontation with the interim government. Diplomatic sources indicate that New Delhi:

• Continues engagement through official channels

• Closely monitors political developments in Dhaka

  ---

  Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

  ---

  Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

  ---

  Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.