Sheikh Hasina calls Yunus an extremist, says Bangladesh has fallen into Pakistan’s lap
She made these remarks in an interview with the Indian news channel WION. Sheikh Hasina launched a sharp attack on Muhammad Yunus, calling him a non-elected extremist. She said his closeness to Pakistan is against the country’s historical values and asserted that the Awami League will make a comeback in the elections.
Her interview came at a time when Bangladesh observed a nationwide lockdown on Wednesday and a complete shutdown on Thursday, both organized in protest against the ongoing case against Hasina. The verdict in the case is expected on November 17. At present, the Awami League is banned in Bangladesh.
During the interview, Hasina described India as an old friend and criticised the Yunus-led interim government for creating chaos.
When asked about her future plans, she said, “My focus is on Bangladesh’s stability. The Awami League represents millions of people. Elections cannot be fair as long as we remain banned. This disenfranchises millions of voters. But the Awami League is committed to serving the people and is prepared to be in government or opposition.”
She reiterated that the ban on her party is unacceptable and will be challenged through legal and peaceful means. She said, “Bangladesh belongs to its people. Rule through repression cannot survive.”
Speaking about the situation in Bangladesh since 2024, she said, “Burning down my father Sheikh Mujib’s house was an attempt to erase the nation’s principles. Extremists are changing our identity. Since July, chaos has spread. Journalists are silent, minorities are scared and women are being pushed to the margins. Yunus released terrorists and gave protection to ‘July fighters’ who burned down police stations. The economy is collapsing and law and order has broken down.” She alleged that justice has turned into a tool of revenge and criminals are being given positions.
On India’s stance regarding Bangladesh and herself, she said, “India is an old friend. I thank India for its welcome. India is concerned—Hindus are being targeted, economic partnerships are breaking down. Yunus cannot bring stability. But our ties with India are deep. A sensible government will return in Bangladesh.”
When asked about Yunus’s closeness to Pakistan, she said, “We want friendship with all and enmity with none. But Yunus’s tilt shows desperation. Pakistan has not apologised for 1971, yet Yunus is trying to appease them. He has no public mandate. Extremists want to shake our foundations, but history will turn. A free vote will ensure that foreign policy serves national interest.”
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