Dhaka/New Delhi, October 12, 2025: Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist and Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus has stated that India will “probably keep” former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted following student protests last year. Yunus also indicated that “some external forces” may support her return to Bangladesh.
Hasina has been living in self-exile in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024. In an interview with Mehdi Hassan of Zeteo, Yunus suggested that India would likely continue to host Hasina unless legal obligations compel otherwise. “Given to themselves, if they are free to make a choice, probably they will keep her,” he said.
Yunus highlighted India’s support for Hasina, claiming that her allies hope she will return to Bangladesh “with full glory as a victorious leader.” He also expressed concern that certain external forces could assist her comeback, calling it a matter he is “always worried about.”
On the topic of discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Hasina, Yunus said he did not instruct Modi on any course of action. Instead, he requested that Hasina avoid commenting publicly about Bangladesh or its administration. Yunus added that Modi noted the limitations of controlling social media.
Regarding reports of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, Yunus dismissed them as “fake news,” describing it as “India’s speciality.” He acknowledged that occasional conflicts over land or family disputes might occur but denied widespread targeted attacks on the Hindu community, contradicting reports of protests involving around 30,000 Hindus.
