PM Modi meets Yunus What next? Will Sheikh Hasina reinstate again as a PM?
Meeting held during BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
In a high-stakes meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Mohammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, sparking headlines across the region
The encounter marked the first formal discussion between the two leaders since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in August 2024.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition—a move that has stirred controversy across diplomatic circles. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Bangladesh has officially requested her extradition but declined to elaborate further.
Modi, in turn, did not shy away from critical issues. He reportedly questioned the grounds of the extradition request and pressed Yunus on escalating violence against minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. India has expressed growing concern over increasing attacks and the rising influence of radical Islamist groups in the country.
Sheikh Hasina faces serious allegations of human rights abuses, including kidnapping and killing political opponents. She has denied all accusations, calling them politically motivated.
The MEA emphasized that Modi also urged Bangladesh to rein in inflammatory rhetoric, adhere strictly to border protocols, and address the issue of illegal infiltration—a long-standing sore point between the two neighbors.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have soured since Yunus assumed leadership. Last week, Yunus raised eyebrows by courting Chinese investment during a visit to Beijing. He controversially suggested that India’s northeastern region could become a strategic route for Chinese engagement—an assertion that is likely to deepen New Delhi’s suspicions.