Modi Mentions Media: Ex-PM Hasina’s Remarks Stir Diplomatic Discontent

Bangkok, April 4 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held social media responsible for remarks made by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in self-imposed exile in India. The comments came during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor and Nobel Laureate.

During the meeting, Dr. Yunus sought India’s position regarding Hasina’s extradition. He expressed concern over what he described as “provocative statements” made by the former Prime Minister through media platforms to destabilize Bangladesh, which he called "a misuse of India’s hospitality."

Dr. Yunus said, “Sheikh Hasina is continuously making false and provocative allegations against the interim government.”

Prime Minister Modi responded, stating that “India’s relationship is not with any individual or party, but with the country of Bangladesh.” He reiterated that “India has always given the highest priority to its relationship with Bangladesh,” adding that the shared history of the two nations has been interlinked since Bangladesh’s independence.

Dr. Yunus urged the Indian government to take necessary measures to discourage Sheikh Hasina from making such public statements while residing in India. He cited a report by the United Nations Human Rights Commission, which documents human rights violations allegedly committed by security forces and armed Awami League cadres between July 15 and August 5, 2024, during the pro-democracy uprising.

According to the report, over 1,400 people, including nearly 13 percent children, were killed. It also alleges crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearances. The report claims that the then-Prime Minister herself ordered security forces to kill protestors and to “arrest and disappear” opposition leaders.

Dr. Yunus also raised concerns about border killings, saying joint action to prevent such deaths would not only ease the pain of grieving families but also strengthen bilateral trust and relations. “Each of these deaths pains me deeply,” he said, requesting India to explore solutions to prevent such incidents.

In response, Prime Minister Modi clarified that Indian border guards fire only in self-defense, and such deaths typically occur within Indian territory. Both leaders agreed on the need to work together on the issue.

Regarding Bangladesh’s current BIMSTEC chairmanship, Dr. Yunus expressed optimism, saying Bangladesh aims to raise the visibility of the organization and transform it into a dynamic, effective institution that meets regional expectations and serves as a key conduit for global trade.

Addressing Modi’s concerns about the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus responded that most reports of attacks were “exaggerated and largely fake news.” He invited the Indian Prime Minister to send journalists to verify the ground realities firsthand.

He added that his government had implemented effective monitoring systems for all incidents of religious or gender-based violence and had taken stringent measures to prevent any recurrence.

The meeting concluded with both leaders exchanging warm wishes for each other’s well-being and reaffirming their commitment to peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of both nations.

The meeting was attended by Md. Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor; Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative of the Chief Advisor; S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs; Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India; and other senior officials.