We have problems with India right now because they didn’t like what the students did: Watch Muhammad Yunus spew venom again

New Delhi: Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has said relations with India are strained, pointing to recent student protests in Dhaka and accusing New Delhi of spreading misinformation. Speaking in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Yunus remarked, “We have problems with India right now because they didn’t like what the students have done.”

Yunus accuses India of spreading fake news

The interim chief adviser alleged that reports in Indian media have worsened tensions. “A lot of fake news is coming from India, propaganda that it’s an Islamist movement,” Yunus said. He also criticised India for providing shelter to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating, “India is hosting Hasina, who has created problems…that creates tension between India and Bangladesh.”

Call to revive SAARC

Alongside criticism of India, Yunus renewed his push for reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying, “SAARC is not working because it doesn’t fit into the politics of one country.” He suggested that political resistance from one member has blocked regional cooperation.

The bloc has not held a summit since 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after the Uri terrorist attack. India has since said Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism makes SAARC meetings unworkable. While still a member, India has shifted focus toward the BIMSTEC grouping that excludes Pakistan.

Meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister

On 24 September, Yunus met Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York. An official readout from Dhaka said Sharif invited Yunus to visit Pakistan before the interim government’s term ends.

Engagement with US envoy

Yunus also discussed SAARC and other regional issues with Sergio Gor, the US ambassador-designate to India who will also serve as Special Envoy for South and Central Asia. According to Dhaka, Yunus told Gor that the interim government has “intensified efforts” to revive SAARC. The US statement noted talks on regional cooperation but did not specifically mention SAARC.

Security concerns for India

India remains cautious about Yunus’s outreach, especially given reports of Dhaka’s closer ties with Islamabad and recent trilateral discussions involving China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. While Dhaka has denied the talks were aimed at forming a bloc, New Delhi has signalled unease over potential security implications.

Bangladesh’s regional goals

During his discussions, Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in joining ASEAN to boost economic growth. He added that Dhaka is making “comprehensive preparations” to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful general election in the first half of February.