In the aftermath of the Monsoon Revolution in Bangladesh, the country faced widespread chaos arising from internal discord and external conspiracies. From August 5 to August 8, Bangladesh found itself without a functioning government until Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus returned from abroad and was appointed Chief Adviser of the Interim Government. His decision to take charge amidst such turmoil was akin to stepping into an inferno. Aware of the immense risks to his lifetime’s credentials, Yunus could not afford to fail.
A globally renowned figure devoted to improving the lives of ordinary people, Yunus accepted this monumental challenge -- not for personal gain but to leave his life’s most precious legacy in his nation’s history.
Upon assuming office, Yunus encountered immediate, real-time challenges from various quarters, including remnants of Sheikh Hasina’s ousted regime. Among the most vicious attacks came from certain groups within the minority communities. Allegedly instigated by forces across the border, these groups triggered communal violence to destabilize the country. Simultaneously, the Indian media -- both social and mainstream -- linked to the establishment, launched relentless vitriol against Bangladesh. This campaign, rife with false propaganda, disinformation, and fabricated narratives, sought to malign Bangladesh internationally and undermine it internally.
One such narrative revolved around Chinmoy Das. Das had been dismissed by his own organization months earlier but was later arrested by Bangladeshi authorities for defiling the national flag, inciting communal violence, and causing public unrest. In retaliation, his followers killed a Muslim government prosecutor in broad daylight, further aggravating tensions. The Indian media seized upon this incident to fabricate accusations of minority persecution, escalating their smear campaign against Bangladesh. Even West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh, exacerbating the situation.
India’s reaction: Two key reasons
India’s frenzied response to what is essentially an internal matter for Bangladesh stems from two primary reasons:
- Loss of influence: India had maintained an unparalleled sway over Sheikh Hasina’s regime, which ruled Bangladesh from January 2009 until her ouster in August 2024. Despite Hasina’s undemocratic practices, rampant corruption, human rights violations, and systematic dismantling of state institutions, India extended unwavering support to her government. In return, Bangladesh became a near-vassal state, fulfilling India’s strategic and economic interests, even at the cost of Bangladesh’s vital interests. Hasina’s sudden fall was a thunderbolt for India, leaving it bereft of a compliant ally and exposing its neighborhood policy failures.
- Bangladesh’s commitment to minority rights: The Constitution unequivocally guarantees the rights of all minorities, including freedom to practice their religion, culture, and traditions. Historically, Bangladesh has been a model of communal harmony. Recent incidents of violence targeting members of the Hindu community were largely political, as they were known supporters of the Hasina regime, rather than being based on religion. Furthermore, the Hindu minority has traditionally enjoyed privileges disproportionate to their demographic share, holding over 20% of government jobs, mostly in the key positions, despite comprising only 9% of the population. Besides, these officials were seen as active enablers of Hasina’s misrule.
Bangladesh, as a peaceful nation, seeks close cooperation and friendship with India
In stark contrast, nearly 20% of India’s Muslim population holds only 2% of all government jobs, with no representation in Modi’s cabinet or the BJP’s parliamentary ranks. The Hindu community appears to be gripped by an uncertainty over whether they will continue to enjoy their disproportionate largesse or they would be curtailed.
Diplomatic engagement
Amidst this war of narratives, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on December 9 to attend the annual Foreign Office Consultation (FOC). During his visit, he held formal talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart, Muhammad Jashimuddin, and met with the chief adviser and adviser for foreign affairs. Yunus extended every courtesy to Misri, a gesture rarely reciprocated by India. However, Misri’s focus on ill-perceived minority persecution in Bangladesh, to the exclusion of other pressing issues such as Indian media’s propaganda, attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, border killings, and water-sharing disputes, reflected a one-sided agenda. His refusal to engage with journalists after the meetings underscored an indifferent, if not aggressive, stance.
Bangladesh’s global standing
Despite India’s media onslaught, the international community has largely supported Bangladesh’s Monsoon Revolution and the Interim Government’s efforts to restore democracy and good governance. Yunus has received widespread acclaim in global forums, including the UN General Assembly, Cop29 in Azerbaijan, and the D-8 Summit in Cairo, where he engaged with world leaders and secured their backing for Bangladesh. Publications such as Nature and The Economist have also recognized these achievements, with The Economist naming Bangladesh “Country of the Year” for toppling a despot and advancing toward a liberal government.
A message to India
India should take note of these global sentiments. Its relentless rhetoric against Bangladesh has found little traction internationally and has instead damaged its media credibility, being perceived as a purveyor of rumors. Furthermore, India’s foreign policy toward its neighbours is now under greater global scrutiny.
India should also be mindful of its international reputation by harbouring Hasina, a fascist dictator and despot and thousands of her corrupt associates in their country.
Bangladesh, as a peaceful nation, seeks close cooperation and friendship with India. However, such a relationship must be built on mutual respect, equitable benefits, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. Without these principles, neither country can achieve a truly constructive partnership.
Ashraf ud doula is a former Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and retired Ambassador.