Kumar Bahukhandi
PM Modi and Mohammad Yunus – Photo: PTI
Mohammad Yunus’ tenure has been surrounded by controversies and during his tenure, incidents of atrocities on minorities, especially Hindus, increased in Bangladesh. Due to this, relations between India and Bangladesh have also soured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government Mohammad Yunus met in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on Friday April 24, 2025 . This was the first meeting of the two leaders after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government from power. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC conference. During this, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present. The two leaders talked for about 40 minutes.
Support to democratic, stable and inclusive Bangladesh
Regarding PM Modi’s meeting with Mohammad Yunus, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that ‘PM Modi once again expressed support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He also underlined Professor Yunus’ desire for positive relations with India. The Prime Minister appealed to avoid rhetoric that spoils the atmosphere. Strictness on the border can stop illegal infiltration and maintain border security. The Prime Minister also expressed concern about the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.’
Mohammad Yunus’ tenure has been mired in controversies
In August last year, Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh was ousted from power. Since then, Mohammad Yunus has been leading the interim government of Bangladesh. However, Mohammad Yunus’ tenure has been mired in controversies and during his tenure, incidents of atrocities on minorities, especially Hindus, increased in Bangladesh. Due to this, relations between India and Bangladesh have also soured. Recently , on his visit to China, Mohammad Yunus made a controversial statement about India’s northeastern states, after which the relations between the two countries have become more bitter.
During his China visit, he had made an objectionable statement about India’s northeastern states. Actually, during his China visit, Mohammad Yunus had appealed to the Chinese government to increase investment in Bangladesh. During this, he had said that India’s northeastern states are surrounded by land on all sides and they do not have access to the sea. In such a situation, this can be an opportunity for China. Mohammad Yunus said that Bangladesh is the only power in the region that has sea access. However, this statement of Mohammad Yunus angered India and India has also expressed its displeasure over this through official channels.
Prime Minister Modi is on a visit to Thailand to attend the BIMSTEC conference. On Friday April 4, 2025 , PM Modi also met Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing and offered him all possible help in earthquake relief and rescue operations.
