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Yunus’ aide opened up on various issues concerning India and Bangladesh in exclusive interview with CNN-News18. He spoke about Sheikh Hasina, Chinmoy Das, growing closeness with Pakistan and more.
Bangladesh interim government advisor Muhammad Yunus (PTI Image)
Bangladesh’s interim government has denied the talks of growing closeness with Pakistan under Muhammad Yunus and said that the country wants good relations with all the SAARC nations and is working for its “revival”.
Shafikul Alam, Press Secretary of Yunus, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview over the phone that there are no plans in consideration to let the Pakistan army operate in Bangladesh.
“Yunus wants the revival of SAARC and a good relationship with all countries so he wants good relations with all SAARC countries that also include Pakistan. As part of this, we are building good relations. There are no plans of allowing Pakistani army in Bangladesh,” Alam said.
Yunus’ Press Secretary On Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition
When asked if the passport of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in India since she fled Bangladesh in August last year, has been revoked, Alam confirmed the revocation while also stating that the Bangladesh government has sent a note to India making its desire for her extradition clear. “And we expect India would respond to it,” he said.
Inquired if there is an element of fear in Bangladesh due to her presence in India, Alam said that Hasina is wanted for numerous crimes such as murder and corruption in Bangladesh.
“She is wanted for murder and forced disappearance of people and there are allegations of corruption, extra-judicial killings etc. Her rule was known for widespread human rights violations, murders and mayhem. She is wanted for a lot of crime. Yes, her passport has been revoked,” he said.
The Bangladeshi official denied reacting to Indian media reports claiming that the government has extended Hasina’s visa easing her continued stay in the country, and stated that he would not respond to the reports as the information has yet not come from official government channels.
Yunus’ Press Secretary On Chinmoy Prabhu’s Bail
When asked if Bangladesh can ensure a free and fair trial for Hindu monk Chinmoy Prabhu, who was arrested in November last year on sedition charges, Alam said that the government has “restored” independence of the judiciary and a fair trial would be conducted.
“We assure free and fair trial. This is one of the priorities of the government. We have restored the independence of the judiciary,” he said.
Notably, a Bangladesh court on January 2 rejected bail to former ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. He now plans to approach the High Court, according to reports.
The press secretary further did not specify a timeline for when the next meeting between India and Bangladesh would take place, however, said that there are a lot of commonalities between the two countries and they want a good relationship with India.
“We don’t know when the next meeting could take place between the two sides. We have a good relationship with India. We share a lot of commonalities with India,” he said.
Why Has Yunus Not Travelled To India Yet? His Aide Responds
When asked about Yunus travelling to foreign countries but not to India, his press secretary said that all those visits were multilateral in nature and no bilateral tours have taken place so far.
“All were multilateral visits of Yunus – UNGA America, D8 to Egypt & COP29 in Davos. We said we want good relations with India. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry can say on his visit to India, I can’t comment,” he said.
Alam denied having any impact on India-Bangladesh trade since Hasina’s ouster and said that India is a growing economy and there has been “no change or downside in trade” between the neighbours.
Yunus’ Press Secretary On Safety Of Minorities
Alam termed the reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh an “exaggeration” and said that the new government has “zero tolerance” towards such incidents.
“Lot of exaggeration in Indian media. We have issued figures on the number of people arrested in those violence. We restored order. On Durga Puja, there were no violent incidents and we also gave two days of holidays to Hindu brothers and sisters. We have zero tolerance towards such incidents of violence,” he said.
Notably, reports of atrocities against the Hindu minorities flooded the internet where various videos surfaced showing vandalism of idols and temples in various parts of the country. People from the community also protested against the atrocities, seeking protection. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had also raised concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and urged the neighbouring government to ensure their security.
Yunus’ Aide On Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Legacy
Alam claimed that Hasina only promoted her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was regarded as the father of the nation until her ouster.
“Hasina only promoted Mujibur Rehman there were others who contributed to the history. Hasina built murals of Rahman everywhere,” he said.
When asked if Rahman is no longer the father of the nation and the history textbooks being rewritten, Alam said, “We say he is one of the founding leaders of the country.
- Location :
Dhaka, Bangladesh