What happened?
On June 11, 2025, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated in London that his interim government aimed for good relations with India, but “something always went wrong”. During an interaction with Chatham House think tank director Bronwen Maddox, Yunus discussed bilateral ties with India and the democratic roadmap for Bangladesh. He addressed an informal diplomatic note to India seeking the extradition of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and expressed a desire for a “very legal, very proper” process. Yunus attributed the recurring issues to “fake news coming from the Indian press” which he claimed had connections with policymakers. He also mentioned that anger against Hasina had transferred to India because she was hosted there, and he had asked Prime Minister Modi to help ensure she doesn’t speak to Bangladeshi people in a way that incites anger.
Why it matters to India
The statements by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus highlight the complex and at times strained relationship between India and its neighbour, which is critical for India’s regional stability and security. The interim government’s desire for good relations is important for maintaining peace along the shared border and fostering economic cooperation. However, Yunus’s accusations of “fake news” from the Indian press influencing Bangladeshi sentiment and his concerns about Sheikh Hasina’s activities from India indicate potential points of friction that could impact bilateral trust. The situation surrounding Sheikh Hasina, particularly her social media presence and its impact on Bangladesh, underscores the need for careful diplomatic engagement to prevent misunderstandings and maintain strong ties, which are essential for India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.