Sheikh Hasina says Yunus is influenced by extremists, the ‘Chicken Neck’ narrative is dangerous

New Delhi. Amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reacted sharply to the rhetoric surrounding India’s Northeast and the “Chicken Neck” corridor. She stated unequivocally that such statements are “dangerous and irresponsible” and reflect the growing extremist influence under the current interim government.

Sheikh Hasina said, “Such statements are dangerous and irresponsible, reflecting the extremist elements that have gained influence during Yunus’s time.” She emphasized that no serious and responsible leader can threaten a neighboring country, especially one on which Bangladesh depends for trade, transit, and regional stability.

Sheikh Hasina further added, “No sensible leader would threaten a neighbor on whom Bangladesh’s economy and security largely depend.” According to Sheikh Hasina, such rhetoric only satisfies ideological fantasies, not the national interests of Bangladesh.

What did Sheikh Hasina say about the unrest in Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina spoke exclusively to news agency ANI amidst the recent events in Bangladesh, including the murder of Osman Hadi and the lynching of a member of the Hindu community. Regarding India’s reaction to the threats concerning the Chicken Neck, Sheikh Hasina said, “It is perfectly justified for India to be concerned about such statements.” She also added that such statements do not represent the thinking of the Bangladeshi people.

The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh emphasized, “The people of Bangladesh understand very well that our prosperity and security depend on strong relations with India.” She expressed confidence that such irresponsible rhetoric will automatically cease once democracy is restored in the country. Yunus has no authority to make decisions – Sheikh Hasina
Questioning the legitimacy of the interim government, Sheikh Hasina said, “Yunus has no mandate to redirect Bangladesh’s foreign policy.” According to her, the current government does not have the right to make strategic decisions that will affect future generations.

Regarding India-Bangladesh relations, Sheikh Hasina stated unequivocally, “The relationship between India and Bangladesh is fundamental and will continue even after this interim government is gone.” She indicated that with the return of a democratic government, Bangladesh’s policy would again focus on national interests and regional stability.

What did Sheikh Hasina say about the murder of Osman Hadi?
Regarding the murder of Osman Hadi, Sheikh Hasina said, “This tragic murder of Osman Hadi demonstrates the anarchy that brought down my government and has only worsened under Yunus’s rule. Violence has become commonplace, while the interim government either denies it or is completely incapable of stopping it. Such incidents destabilize Bangladesh internally and also harm relations with neighboring countries, which are watching this situation with concern. When you cannot even manage basic order within your own country, your credibility on the international stage is destroyed. This is the reality of Yunus’s Bangladesh.”

Sheikh Hasina’s opinion on the anti-India sentiment
In the interview, Sheikh Hasina said, “The anti-India sentiment is being created by the extremists who have been given free rein by Yunus’s government. These are the same people who marched towards the Indian embassy, ​​attacked our media offices, carried out brazen attacks on minorities, and threatened my life and the lives of my family, forcing us to flee the country. Yunus has placed such people in positions of power and released convicted terrorists from jail.” Regarding her return to Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “I left Bangladesh to prevent further bloodshed, not out of fear of facing justice. You cannot demand my return to face political assassination. I have challenged Yunus to take his allegations to The Hague (where the International Court of Justice is located), because I am fully confident that an independent court will acquit me. When there is a legitimate government and an independent judiciary in Bangladesh, I will happily return to the country I have served my entire life.”