Hasina Slams Yunus Govt Over Violence, Warns of Strained Ties With India
As an uneasy calm settled in Dhaka after days of violent protests last week, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the interim government led by Mohammed Younis for the unrest following the killing of Inqilab Moncho convener Sharif Osman Hadi, warning that the violence was destabilizing relations with neighboring countries.
In an email interview with ANI, Hasina claimed that the “lawlessness” that led to the fall of her government was intensified during the reign of Chief Adviser Muhammad Younis. He also expressed concern over the persecution of minorities, stating that India was monitoring the situation closely.
“This tragic murder reflects the lawlessness that has displaced my government and proliferated under Younis. Violence has become the norm while the interim government either denies it or lacks the power to stop it,” Hasina said. He added that such incidents weaken Bangladesh internally and damage its ties with its neighbors, especially India.
Sharif Osman Hadi, a young activist and a prominent figure in last year’s July uprising, was shot at close range while traveling by rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar district on December 12. He suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was later taken to Singapore for treatment, where he died on 18 December.
Following Hadi’s death, protests broke out in Dhaka and activists gathered at Shahbagh junction to demand justice for the slain leader.
Hasina also highlighted the growing influence of radical Islamist forces in Bangladesh, claiming that the interim government led by Younis had released convicted terrorists and could lift the Jamaat-e-Islami ban.
“I share this concern, as do millions of Bangladeshis who prefer the safe, secular state we once were. Younis has installed extremists in cabinet positions, released convicted terrorists from prison and allowed groups linked to international terrorist organizations to play a role in public life,” he told ANI.
He warned that extremists were gradually radicalizing state institutions while using Yunus to present an internationally acceptable image; He said this development should alarm India and other countries invested in the stability of South Asia.
Hasina also expressed concern over strained India-Bangladesh relations due to anti-India protests and the killing of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das. He accused the interim government of failing to protect religious minorities and making hostile statements against New Delhi.
“The tension you are witnessing is entirely due to Younis. His government is failing to protect minorities and allowing extremists to dictate foreign policy,” Hasina said, adding that ties with India will improve once legitimate rule is restored.
Dipu Chandra Das was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on December 18 over blasphemy charges and then his body was set on fire. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to the arrest of 10 defendants.
After the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Chittagong suspended visa operations following a security incident, Hasina said India’s concerns were justified, accusing the interim government of granting impunity to violent elements.
Bangladesh continues to witness unrest, with protests, vandalism and the burning of media offices as it moves towards elections scheduled for next year.
