Modi said it is not possible to keep Hasina silent: Yunus

In an interview with Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, revealed that he had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “silence” Sheikh Hasina during a meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit.

However, Modi reportedly replied that he could not do so, as social media in India is open and accessible to all. “If Sheikh Hasina says something via social media, I can’t control that,” Modi told Yunus, according to the Chief Adviser.

The full video interview was broadcasted by Al Jazeera yesterday, during which Dr Yunus discussed in detail the July Revolution, Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, and widespread corruption during the former regime.

In the interview, Al Jazeera journalist Neave Barker asked Dr Yunus a series of questions about Sheikh Hasina’s activities from exile, including her continued public statements claiming to be the rightful Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

In response, Dr Yunus said: “The BIMSTEC Summit was held in Bangkok, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the heads of government from all BIMSTEC countries were present. I spoke to him and made it clear—if you want to keep Sheikh Hasina, that’s your decision. I won’t object. But if she is to stay there, she must refrain from making public comments, as these create unrest in Bangladesh and cause us difficulties.”

When asked by Al Jazeera what Modi said in reply, Dr Yunus responded, “He said India is a country where social media is open to everyone. He said he cannot control it.”

Chief Adviser Returns to Bangladesh

After attending the Earthna Summit in Doha and the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh last night.

During his six-day official tour, Dr Yunus held meetings with heads of state, ministers, politicians, business leaders, investors, religious figures, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, and youth leaders from various countries.

In his engagements, he promoted foreign investment in Bangladesh and raised global awareness about the Rohingya crisis. Leaders from across the world, including Qatar’s Prime Minister, expressed support for Bangladesh’s development under the interim administration.

Dr Yunus departed for Qatar on 21 April to attend the Earthna Summit. From there, he flew to Rome on Friday to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, held at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Saturday. He left Rome for Dhaka yesterday at 1:30 PM Bangladesh time.