‘Work Won’t Go On Without India…’ Mohammad Yunus Echoes Sheikh Hasina’s Stand on India Ties

Bangladesh interim government chief Mohammad Yunus has also started understanding the importance of friendship with India. Yunus is now seen speaking the same things as Sheikh Hasina regarding relations with India. Mohammad Yunus has given an interview to BBC Bangla, in which he spoke openly about the sourness in relations with India. He said, 'Bangladesh cannot work without India and there is no option other than good relations with it...' However, he admitted that due to propaganda, some misunderstandings have arisen between the two countries, which Bangladesh is trying to remove.

Yunus also said that both the countries are dependent on each other. He said, 'There has been no deterioration, our relations will always be good. They are good now and will remain good in the future too. There is no other way than having good relations between Bangladesh and India.'

Efforts to clear misunderstandings

Muhammad Yunus also said, 'Our relations are so close that we cannot separate from each other. Historically, politically and economically, we are dependent on each other. However, some quarrels and misunderstandings have definitely arisen, the main reason for which is propaganda. Let others decide who is spreading this propaganda, but we are trying to clear this misunderstanding.'

He also told that there is constant contact between the two countries and high-level visits are also taking place. Yunus said that he has also spoken to Prime Minister Modi.

Reasons for deteriorating relations and India's displeasure

Relations between India and Bangladesh have soured in recent months. Especially, the relations between the two countries have remained tense since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the formation of the interim government after the student movements in August last year. India has criticized the interim government's way of dealing with attacks and violence on minorities.

Apart from this, the impact has also been seen in trade and visa processes. India had expressed strong displeasure over the vandalism of the house of Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by a frenzied mob. On the other hand, the Yunus government demanded India to deport Sheikh Hasina and urged her to ban public speeches.

Yunus' statement on political instability in Bangladesh

When Yunus was questioned on the statement of Bangladesh Army Chief General Walker-uz-Zaman, in which he appealed to the political forces of the country to end the quarrel, he refused to comment. However, he accused Sheikh Hasina's party Awami League of spreading unrest in the country. He said, 'The party which has fled the country is trying its best to spread instability. This danger will always remain.'

Yunus' statement has come at a time when the BIMSTEC summit is going to be held in Thailand on 3-4 April next month. Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in it from Bangladesh's side. Modi-Yunus meeting in the BIMSTEC summit is expected to soften relations.