Bangladesh Seeks Meeting Between Interim Leader Yunus and Modi UNGA
New York, September 2024 – Bangladesh has formally requested a meeting between its interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month. However, the Indian side has yet to make a final decision, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The request comes amidst growing tensions following Yunus’ recent remarks in an interview with an Indian media outlet, in which he criticized former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in exile in India. Yunus suggested that Bangladesh might seek Hasina’s extradition and urged India to reconsider its stance on the former leader. His comments, according to insiders, have not been well-received in New Delhi, casting doubt on the possibility of a meeting.
During the interview, Yunus openly criticized Hasina, stating that her political influence from India was detrimental to both nations. He went so far as to suggest that if Hasina remained in India, she should remain silent about Bangladesh’s political situation. This provocative stance has added to the uncertainty surrounding the requested meeting between Yunus and Modi.
Yunus also addressed India’s approach to Bangladeshi politics, urging Indian leaders to move beyond the narrative that portrays every political party opposed to Hasina’s Awami League as “Islamist”. His remarks have stirred further diplomatic sensitivity, with many viewing them as unhelpful to improving bilateral relations.
As of Saturday, the Indian government had not officially responded to Bangladesh’s request for the meeting. According to sources, Prime Minister Modi’s schedule for bilateral meetings at the UN General Assembly is still being finalized. The same sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that a meeting between Modi and Yunus now appears unlikely given the ongoing diplomatic friction.
Modi had previously spoken to Yunus by phone on August 16, during which the Indian Prime Minister stressed the importance of safeguarding minority rights in Bangladesh. Yunus assured Modi of his government’s commitment to protecting all minorities, despite ongoing tensions and reports of attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh.
With Yunus recently assuming leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government, relations between India and Bangladesh are in a delicate phase. Some Indian officials reportedly believe that Bangladesh’s interim government is struggling to maintain full control over the political situation, and elements within the caretaker administration may be pursuing conflicting agendas.
As the UN General Assembly approaches, the spotlight remains on whether the two leaders will meet and how Yunus’ recent comments may impact long-term diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh.
India’s External Affairs Ministry has declined to comment on any potential request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, dismissing the matter as speculative at this stage.
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