New York – Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, has publicly criticized India, accusing the neighbouring country of creating tensions and spreading “fake news.”

Speaking at a recent event hosted by the Asia Society on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, Dr. Yunus asserted that India’s support for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in a student-led movement, is a source of conflict.

He also called for a renewed focus on regional economic cooperation, particularly through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

During his talk, Dr. Yunus highlighted the economic potential of a more integrated South Asia, stating, “Because you have to go through Bangladesh. You can invest in Bangladesh. Bangladesh can invest in your territory, and anybody can; that’s what the whole idea of the SAARC.”

He specifically noted the importance of landlocked nations like Nepal gaining access to the ocean through Bangladesh to facilitate the movement of goods and services, a process from which “all of us benefit.”

Tensions with India and Allegations of “Fake News”

Dr. Yunus addressed the current strained relationship with India. He explained that a significant source of tension stems from India’s perceived support for the previous government, stating, “We have problems with India right now because they didn’t like the… what the students have done… and they’re hosting… Hasina, who’s… the former prime minister who created all these problems and killed the young people.”

This alleged support has created a “lot of tension between India and Bangladesh.”

Dr. Yunus accused India of a propaganda campaign aimed at discrediting the student-led movement that brought his interim government to power. He claimed that “fake news coming from the other side” is making “all kinds of propaganda that this is a very bad thing,” and labelling the movement as “Islamist” or “Taliban.”

Reviving the SAARC Dream

In a broader call for regional unity, Dr. Yunus reminded the audience of the founding principles of SAARC.

He stated that the “whole idea of SAARC was born in Bangladesh” and was promoted “capital by capital in all the South Asian countries.”

He lamented the current state of affairs, where member nations are now seen as enemies of one another.

“We wanted to bring this together so that young people can get in touch with each other,” he said, emphasizing the original vision of the organization. The goal was to create a platform where people from all South Asian countries could visit each other, meet, make friends with each other, study in universities, colleges, wherever they are, they go do business in each other’s countries.”

Dr. Yunus concluded by expressing his disappointment that this vision “didn’t fit into the politics of some one country,” a clear reference to India, and stressed that this political obstacle “has to stop.”

His remarks highlight a deep-seated desire to steer the region back towards a path of collaboration and shared economic prosperity, free from political interference.

Also See: Indian Officers, Afghan Nationals Linked to Terrorism in Pakistan, Says DG ISPR