Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Sheikh Hasina Criticizes Yunus for Damaging India Ties, Calls for Democracy
A former leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, is currently in India and has spoken out about the country's situation.
She said that the current leader, Mr. Yunus, is making bad decisions that are hurting Bangladesh's friendship with India, which she believes is very important.
Hasina also criticized Mr. Yunus for banning her political party, the Awami League, right before an election is supposed to happen.
She thinks this is unfair and that her party should be allowed to participate.
Hasina believes that for her to go back to Bangladesh, the country needs to have real democracy again, with fair elections where everyone can vote.
She also said that Mr. Yunus's government doesn't represent what most people in Bangladesh think.
She feels that the legal cases against her in Bangladesh are not fair and calls the court a 'kangaroo tribunal'.
Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized interim leader Muhammad Yunus for 'foolish and self-defeating' actions that have jeopardized Bangladesh's relationship with India.
Hasina stated that India remains Bangladesh's most important international relationship, despite Yunus's alleged diplomatic missteps.
She condemned the ban on her party, the Awami League (BAL), as a 'huge missed opportunity' and a barrier to legitimate elections scheduled for February 2026.
Hasina outlined her conditions for returning to Bangladesh, which include the restoration of participatory democracy and free, fair, and inclusive elections.
She dismissed the legitimacy of the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings against her, calling it a 'kangaroo tribunal', and expressed willingness to face trial at the International Criminal Court.
- Who
- Ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and current interim leader Muhammad Yunus.
- What
- Sheikh Hasina criticized Muhammad Yunus for damaging Bangladesh's relationship with India, accused his administration of supporting extremists and banning her party, and outlined conditions for her return, including the restoration of democracy and free elections.
- When
- Hasina made these statements in an interview with PTI while in India. Elections are scheduled for February 2026.
- Where
- Sheikh Hasina is in India; the political situation concerns Bangladesh.
- Why
- Hasina's statements aim to criticize the current interim government's policies and demand democratic reforms for her return and for the country's stability and international relations.
Sheikh Hasina (Ousted PM, Awami League)
Muhammad Yunus (Interim Leader)
Relationship with India
Sheikh Hasina (Ousted PM, Awami League)
Criticizes Yunus' actions as 'foolish and self-defeating' for jeopardizing Bangladesh's relationship with India, emphasizing India as Bangladesh's most important international tie.
Muhammad Yunus (Interim Leader)
Accused by Hasina of jeopardizing ties with India and making diplomatic missteps.
Awami League Ban and Elections
Sheikh Hasina (Ousted PM, Awami League)
Considers the ban on her party, the Awami League (BAL), a 'huge missed opportunity' and calls for it to be rescinded for fair and inclusive elections, stating the party must be part of the political conversation.
Muhammad Yunus (Interim Leader)
Has banned the Awami League and scheduled elections for February 2026, which Hasina deems illegitimate due to the ban.
Judicial Proceedings and Return to Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina (Ousted PM, Awami League)
Dismisses Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal as a 'kangaroo tribunal' controlled by opponents and willing to face trial at the International Criminal Court, stating her return depends on participatory democracy and a free election.
Muhammad Yunus (Interim Leader)
Has prosecutors seeking the death penalty for Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal.
- Ousted Leader
- Sheikh Hasina
- Current Location
- India
- Interim Leader
- Muhammad Yunus
- Party Ban
- Awami League (BAL) banned under anti-terrorism law
- Elections Scheduled
- February 2026
- Key Allegations by Hasina
- Yunus administration jeopardized India ties, mainstreamed extremists, freed terrorists, failed to protect minorities, and is using a 'kangaroo tribunal'.
- Hasina's Return Conditions
- Restoration of participatory democracy, lifting of the BAL ban, and free, fair, inclusive elections.
Sources
India backs free & fair polls in Bangladesh amid political unrest
Yunus, Pakistan aim to turn Bangladesh into ISI’s vassal state, alleges ex-Hasina aide
Unrest in Bangladesh: Students rally against Yunus administration over cultural restrictions
Yunus harming ties with India: Sheikh Hasina
‘ISI training homegrown terror’: Tipra chief sounds alarm after Red Fort blast
Participatory democracy key condition for my return, Yunus harming ties with India: Sheikh Hasina