‘Selective engagement emboldens those undermining democracy’
Amidst escalating tensions between India and Bangladesh, how do you see peace returning?
The current instability is not unavoidable. It is the direct result of the provocation of extremist elements, who have been emboldened and allowed to dictate our foreign policy, undermining decades of trust built through carefully constructed bilateral relations. During our time in office, we were guided by a principle of ‘friendship with all, malice towards none’ that helped enhance regional cooperation. A government that rules without mandate, tolerates persecution and violence and spouts hostile and threatening rhetoric at its closest allies cannot be surprised when tensions will naturally spill over into regional relationships. This is the short-sighted foreign policy of a leader with no political experience, who has allowed himself to become the puppet of radical factions.
Peace will return only through the restoration of constitutional order and democratic legitimacy. For that, Bangladesh needs free, fair and inclusive elections, in which all major political forces participate as a matter of urgency.
Will elections be held in February? If so, how will the Awami League take part?
Elections in February cannot be credible if the Awami League remains banned from political activity. You cannot exclude the country’s largest and oldest political party and still claim democratic legitimacy. Nor can you allow voters to be intimidated or coerced by door-to-door activists into voting for the BNP or Jamaat under threats of violence or destruction. If the ban is not lifted and our leaders and supporters are not allowed to campaign freely, then such elections will be elections in name only. Millions of ordinary Bangladeshis will be disenfranchised, and any government that emerges from these elections will lack the authority or legitimacy to govern.
What role can India play in bringing peace?
India has always been a vital partner for Bangladesh, and we are proud of the fundamental ties we built between our two nations. The interests of Bangladesh are also those of India and of our region as a whole. I am grateful for the solidarity India has continued to show in welcoming me. In doing so, India has sent a clear message that it is committed to supporting the democratic and secular foundations that our two nations share and that it will not allow extremism to reshape our region.
As part of the international community, India has condemned the human rights abuses and political repression that have taken root under Yunus. I am deeply grateful for this and for the role India has continued to play in encouraging constructive dialogue, respect for political pluralism, the protection of minorities and inclusive democratic processes.
How many people are languishing in jail in Bangladesh?
Since Yunus seized power, the judiciary has been weaponised as a tool of political oppression. Hundreds of thousands of people have been arrested by the interim government since August 2024 for the ‘crime’ of their political beliefs. Over 1.5 lakh people continue to be held in custody, many of whom have been denied basic due process, medical treatment, sufficient food or space, and many have even died in custody with clear signs of torture. These include not only hundreds of former ministers, members of Parliament and Awami League officials, but also political activists, journalists and ordinary citizens, who have been detained on fabricated and politically motivated charges. During 20-24 December 2025 alone, nearly 9,000 people were detained without any case, charge or arrest warrant. This is not law enforcement but mass repression. Political opposition is not a crime, but rather a vital component of any healthy democracy.
The solution is straightforward but requires political will and the support of the international community. The Yunus regime must withdraw false cases, allow courts to operate independently and release detainees unless there is credible evidence tested in open court.
How can the international community help in restoring peace, normalcy and democracy in Bangladesh?
The international community must continue calling for free, fair and participatory elections. This means lifting of political bans, protection of minorities and journalists, supporting independent investigations into violence and insisting on international observation during elections. Silence or selective engagement only emboldens those undermining democracy.