Press Conference in New York
At a press conference in New York on Thursday, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said that there are many problems between India and Bangladesh. He claimed that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s previous government, which was backed by India, New Delhi has been unhappy with the change. As a result, India is now creating problems for Bangladesh.
Why India is Creating Problems
Yunus pointed to the anti-discrimination movement over job quotas led by students, which sparked widespread protests. These protests eventually led to the collapse of the government that had ruled Bangladesh for almost 17 years. Sheikh Hasina then fled to India.
According to Yunus, India is not happy with this because the former government served India’s interests and made Bangladesh act like a vassal state. To create unrest, the Indian media, often referred to as Godi media, is spreading fake news. Yunus further alleged that:
India is creating problems in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The Indian intelligence agency R&AW has circulated counterfeit currency worth nearly 2,000 crore taka in Bangladesh.
The interim government is being falsely described as “Pakistan’s government.”
Those who opposed Hasina are being labeled “Pakistan’s seedlings,” while Yunus himself is being called “the leader of the Taliban.”
Indian media is spreading false claims that the current government is an Islamic regime oppressing minorities.
India is funding groups like the UPDF, which are causing unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Why SAARC is Not Working Like ASEAN
Yunus criticized India’s role in South Asia, saying that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), founded on 8 December 1985, has failed to achieve its goals.
He compared it to ASEAN, which has become a model of development through mutual diplomacy and cooperation. In contrast, South Asian countries are constantly in conflict because, according to Yunus, India wants to be the “big brother” rather than an equal partner. As a result, most South Asian countries have poor relations with India, and regional development has been blocked.
Between Two Regions: ASEAN and South Asia
Yunus said that Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, agreed to support Bangladesh’s entry into ASEAN. However, since Bangladesh has poor relations with Myanmar, full membership is not possible for now. Instead, Anwar Ibrahim suggested Bangladesh could join ASEAN as a temporary member.
Creating Opportunities for Landlocked States
Yunus expressed interest in building stronger economic ties with Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s north-eastern “Seven Sisters” states. He proposed allowing them to use the Chittagong Port at low cost, which would give them access to the sea and reduce trade expenses. This, he said, would also improve relations and business opportunities in the region. Bangladesh is also ready to invest in these neighboring states.
Meetings with European Leaders
During his New York visit, Yunus met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Kosovan President Vjoso Osmani. According to his press secretary Shafiqul Alam, these meetings were important for improving ties with European countries. Both Italy and Finland promised to support Bangladesh’s upcoming elections.
Urging US Companies to Invest
On September 24, the US-Bangla Business Council hosted the “US-Bangla Executive Business Round Table: Advancing Reform, Resilience, and Growth” in New York. At the event, Yunus urged leading American companies to increase investment in Bangladesh, promising them full government support.
US Firms Engage with Bangladesh Delegation
Senior officials from major US firms, including MetLife, Chevron, and Accelerated Energy, attended and engaged with the Bangladeshi delegation. The delegation also included leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party, as well as advisors on foreign affairs and energy.
