Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh last year in August following a massive strike and boycott that led to many deaths and arrests and finally led to the downfall of the government. In what is said to be the first meeting of PM Modi and Bangladesh’s interim government’s Chief advisor, Professor and Noble Laureate Muhammad Yunus both the leaders discussed underlying concerns.
This meeting between the leaders took place on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok. PM Modi pointed to the concerns of exploitation of Hindus in Bangladesh under the current government while Yunus conveyed Dhaka’s request over the extradition of the former PM Sheikh Hasina who fled to India last year. An underlying tension seems to be persisting as Modi responded to this request by saying, “Avoid rhetoric that vitiates the environment.”
Before meeting his Indian counterpart Yunus visited Beijing last month where he remarked that amidst the landlocked North-East India, Bangladesh is the only guardian of the ocean in the region. In the statement by the External Affairs Ministry, it was stated that PM Modi has been vocal about the exploitation of minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh. He emphasised on protection of the minorities and requested proper investigation into atrocities committed against them.
Yunus while replying to Mr Modi’s concerns highlighted that the cases of violence against Hindu minorities have been inflated and are in fact fake. He also asked the Indian leader to send reporters to Bangladesh to analyse the situation themselves. Despite several reports, the statements by Professor Yunus seem to be denying the fact that minorities are unsafe in the country.
He confirmed that proper machinery to check violence against minorities is in place and exploitation will not be tolerated by the interim government. On the request of extradition of Hasina, he said that ever since she fled from the country her remakes have been derogatory towards the interim government invoking rumours and interfering with its efficient functioning by spreading fake news.
Stating that Sheikh Hasina is exploiting India’s hospitality he urged clarification on her extradition by the government as soon as possible. The leaders also discussed border issues and decided to bilaterally work on its solution.
While Modi emphasises the importance given to Dhaka in the 40-minute meeting, Yunus who will take over BIMSTEC presidency asked for the leader’s support in fostering the Free Trade Agreement between the seven partner countries of the grouping.
