No alternative to strong Bangladesh-India ties: Yunus

Highlighting historical close ties, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said there is no alternative to maintaining a good relationship between Bangladesh and India, as there had been some clouds in the relations that mainly came through propaganda.

"Some conflicts had been seen in the midway. I would say some clouds were seen. These clouds mostly came through propaganda. Others will judge the sources of those as propaganda," he told BBC Bangla in an interview published today.

In response to a question regarding the current state of Bangladesh-India relations, Yunus reassured that the relations are still in very good shape, saying, "There is no deterioration."

He further explained that any misunderstandings between the countries are being addressed. "We are trying to overcome those misunderstandings. There is no problem in our basic relationship," Yunus said.

The chief adviser reiterated his stance on the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, stressing that it will remain strong in the future. 

"There is no alternative to maintain good relations between the two countries," he said, highlighting that the ties between Bangladesh and India are "historically, politically and economically" inseparable. "We cannot deviate from this."

Yunus also highlighted the significant "interdependencies" between the countries, mentioning the continuous communication that takes place between them.

On the diplomatic front, sources suggest that Chief Adviser Yunus may meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in person for the first time during the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok on 4 April 2025, reports UNB.

'Fugitive party trying to unsettle country'

Yunus also discussed domestic issues, particularly addressing the law and order situation, political reforms, and elections. He accused a "fugitive party" and its fleeing leadership of trying to destabilise Bangladesh. 

"A fugitive group has left the country or their leadership has left. They are trying their best to unsettle it. It is always a threat," Yunus said, directly referencing the Awami League as the source of the threat.

He added that the ousted party was actively calling for protests and unrest. "They are making public addresses, calling on people to rise, to take action. They are announcing programs—hartals, protests and so on. How do you think people will interpret this? Do you think everything will settle down peacefully just like that?" Yunus questioned.

On the interim government's reform agenda, Yunus reiterated the government's commitment to political reform. He mentioned the creation of multiple commissions and the drafting of a "July Charter" that would include agreed-upon reforms from political parties.

"We will bring all such recommendations that the political parties have agreed on in a separate paper. And I will call on everyone, since you have all agreed, sign it. The elections will be held in that context," he said.

Yunus confirmed that elections would take place at the end of this year, saying, "We have already announced that. There is nothing new to say."

'Crime rate has not increased'

Despite public concerns over rising crime, Yunus insisted that the crime rate had not increased significantly.

"The crime rate has not increased at all. It has been the same as before," he claimed.

However, he acknowledged an initial reluctance among law enforcement officers to take to the streets but assured that the situation was being addressed.

When asked about the rise in robberies – with police statistics indicating a 50% increase in six months – he admitted, "Initially, the problem was that the police force we were…not taking to the streets out of fear. Now it has been fixed."

On mob violence and vandalism, he said, "It's taking time. They have not been able to get ready and get rid of their mentality yet. We are trying. A lot of improvements have been made. But there is no solution."

Political support and neutrality

Yunus dismissed allegations of government bias towards the newly formed student-led National Citizen Party, saying, "The government does not provide any assistance. Those who want to do politics have resigned from their posts and left."

On criticism from BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, who questioned the neutrality of the interim government, he said, "Whether the public has doubts is a matter of debate. When we [interim government and BNP] sat down, no one said there were doubts. He says, 'We are with you.'"

Reflecting on his almost seven months in office, the chief adviser noted that his government inherited a "country where everything was in ruins" and that their efforts have been focused on stabilisation and reform.

"The ruins from which we came are taking on a new look. We have simplified the economy. We have gained the trust of both the country and abroad. Whichever country you ask, they have placed their trust in us."

Despite concerns over rising crime and political uncertainty, Yunus maintained that his administration had made significant progress, saying, "We are not experts sitting here. We are trying our own ways to do it.

"There may be mistakes. Some have done well; some have not done well. It may happen. I'm not denying that."