Tue Mar 04 06:53:16 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Downplays Strained Ties with India Amidst Political Upheaval
DHAKA, BANGLADESH – Bangladesh’s caretaker government chief, Mohammad Yunus, has dismissed concerns about deteriorating relations with India, attributing recent tensions to propaganda and emphasizing the strong historical, political, and economic interdependence between the two nations. In an exclusive interview with BBC Bangla, Yunus stated that despite some misunderstandings, efforts are underway to overcome them, asserting that a complete breakdown in relations is impossible.
Yunus’s comments come amidst significant political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2023. Hasina, a close ally of India, fled to India and currently remains in exile in Delhi. The subsequent unrest in Bangladesh, including attacks on Hindu minorities, reportedly strained relations between the two countries. Bangladesh is currently seeking Hasina’s extradition from India to face charges of crimes against humanity and genocide.
While acknowledging a request for Hasina’s extradition has been sent to India and confirmed as received, Yunus emphasized the ongoing communication between the two governments. He revealed direct contact with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including a conversation during his first week in office. He maintains that despite the political complexities and the ongoing request for Hasina’s return, the fundamentally strong relationship between Bangladesh and India will endure. The potential barring of Hasina’s Awami League from upcoming elections further complicates the situation. However, Yunus remains confident that the two nations will overcome the current challenges and maintain their close ties.
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