Sheikh Hasina blames Yunus-led interim government for Dhaka violence, warns of strain in India ties

A fragile calm has returned to Dhaka after days of violent protests, but former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina says the situation on the ground tells a deeper story. In an email interaction with news agency ANI, she accused the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of failing to contain violence and warned that the unrest is beginning to affect Bangladesh’s relations with neighbouring countries, including India.

Hasina said the disorder that led to the collapse of her government has not eased since the change in leadership. Instead, she claimed, lawlessness has spread further under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. She also pointed to what she described as rising insecurity for minority communities, adding that developments in Bangladesh are being closely observed in New Delhi.

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Death of Sharif Osman Hadi deepens political unrest in Dhaka

The former prime minister’s comments come after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of Inqilab Moncho and a young activist associated with last year’s July uprising. Hadi was shot at close range on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was later flown to Singapore for specialised treatment. He died on December 18.

Following his death, protests erupted across the capital. Activists gathered at Shahbagh intersection to demand justice for the slain leader. The demonstrations added to an already tense atmosphere in the city.

Calling the killing a reflection of worsening law and order, Hasina said violence has become commonplace. She alleged that the interim government either denies the scale of the problem or lacks the authority to control it. According to her, such instability weakens Bangladesh internally and undermines confidence among neighbouring nations.

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Hasina flags radicalisation concerns, strain in India ties

Hasina also raised concerns about what she termed the growing influence of radical Islamist elements. She accused Yunus of releasing convicted terrorists, appointing extremists to positions of influence and signalling a possible easing of restrictions on Jamaat-e-Islami.

She said Yunus, who she noted has no political background, lacks experience in running a complex country like Bangladesh. Her concern, she added, was that radical groups were using him as an acceptable face internationally while gradually influencing institutions at home.

Hasina warned that the weakening of Bangladesh’s secular political character could have consequences beyond its borders and should worry all countries invested in South Asian stability.

“This should alarm not only India, but every nation invested in South Asian stability. The secular character of Bangladeshi politics was one of our greatest strengths, and we cannot allow it to be sacrificed at the whim of a few idiotic extremists. Once democracy is restored and responsible governance returns, such reckless talk will end,” she said.

She also linked the recent diplomatic strain between India and Bangladesh to the actions of the interim government. Referring to anti-India protests and the killing of 27-year-old Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das, she alleged that Yunus’s administration failed to protect religious minorities and adopted an antagonistic tone towards New Delhi.

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Das was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was reportedly set on fire. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to the arrest of 10 accused.

Amid the unrest, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Chittagong announced the suspension of all visa services following a security incident. Hasina said India’s concerns were justified, alleging that extremist groups had targeted diplomatic missions, media organisations and minority communities with impunity.

“The strain you are witnessing is entirely of Yunus’s making. His government issues hostile statements against India, fails to protect religious minorities, and allows extremists to dictate foreign policy, then expresses surprise when tensions rise. India has been Bangladesh’s most steadfast friend and partner for decades. The ties between our nations are deep and fundamental; they will outlast any temporary government. I am confident that once legitimate governance is restored, Bangladesh will return to the sensible partnership we cultivated over fifteen years.”

Bangladesh has continued to witness protests, vandalism and attacks on media establishments even as the country prepares for national elections scheduled for next year.