Against all odds — and in defiance of the nihilistic forecasts by domestic and international naysayers, self-proclaimed intellectuals, “global” journalists, and the army of disinformation-peddling YouTubers — Bangladesh has turned a remarkable corner.
At the heart of this transformation stands the calm, composed, and mission-driven Chief Advisor, Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. With meticulous focus and quiet determination, he has steered the nation toward the path of recovery and hope, crafting what may well become one of the most unlikely success stories in our recent history.
The beginning
Few have forgotten the turbulent conditions under which an initially reluctant Muhammad Yunus was persuaded to take charge of a nation on the brink — arguably the most critical juncture since Bangladesh’s independence.
It was the unprecedented student-led uprising against the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina that led to her ultimately fleeing the country on August 5. But not before dragging the entire structure of the state — from governance and democracy to the economy, judiciary, civil, and military administration — to the edge of collapse.
Despite the long list of transgressions, her enduring legacy will likely be one of brutality against her own people and unparalleled corruption. In her 16 years of autocratic rule, Hasina reduced Bangladesh into a personal fiefdom, eroding every institution and enabling rampant corruption with impunity — true to Machiavelli’s grim warnings.
When Yunus took his oath on August 8, the country was fractured and paralyzed. Various factions — political groups, civil servants, corporate workers, paramilitary Ansars, student bodies, teachers, railway workers, labourers, hawkers, and even CNG drivers — were in a state of upheaval. Road and rail blockades were common.
The situation was further exacerbated by the mass desertion of police officers, trying to escape public outrage for their excesses during the uprising. Notably, the armed forces, while not actively supporting the uprising, did not stand in its way either. The young officers played a key role in persuading the top brass to remain neutral — while the Army Chief’s discreet support proved pivotal to the movement’s success.
Face to face with reality
Upon assuming office, Yunus set out with resolve to restore the broken apparatus of governance. He assembled a diverse team of advisers representing various sectors and interests. The challenges were complex — both internal and external. Among the latter, India posed a major concern, to which I will come later.
After nearly nine months of rigorous pursuit of bringing back a certain semblance of normalcy, the country has finally turned a new leaf , from where it can smoothly make further progress.
- The majority of the Reform Commissions have submitted their recommendations. The rest will submit their findings soon, upon which the IG will put them before the all party commission for their review and submission. However, there is one major party which is showing its reluctance to the recommendations for Constitutional reform, before holding of the election.
- The law and order situation is showing signs of appreciable improvement.
- The macro-economic environment is stable and the price hikes of essential commodities have been brought under control. Nowhere was this more apparent than during the month of Ramadan.
- The inflationary pressures appear contained and currency value has shown consistency.
- Remittances are recording higher figures and the turbulence in the banking sector has been contained.
- Money laundering has been controlled and so has corruption.
- A sense of discipline and visible good governance have returned to the society.
Back to India
Rather than accepting the changes in Bangladesh, India launched an aggressive international disinformation campaign. The motive remains unclear, though its chosen narrative — of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh — was both cynical and hypocritical. For a country with a long and tragic record of systemic violence against minorities, including Muslims, India’s sudden concern for minority rights in Bangladesh lacked all credibility.
The interim government did not deny that certain incidents occurred during the post-uprising turmoil. But these were not targeted acts of anti-Hindu violence. They were political in nature — directed at supporters of the ousted Bangladesh Awami League (BAL).
Ironically, while India launched its smear campaign, its own government was simultaneously involved in seizing Muslim “waqf” properties worth over $14 billion under the pretense of oversight.
Nevertheless, Dr Yunus boldly invited a UNHCR team to independently investigate the alleged violations. The government extended full cooperation — transparent, impartial, and without obstruction.
India’s inability to come to terms with the fall of Hasina speaks volumes. Whether admitted publicly or not, New Delhi played a central role in propping up Sheikh Hasina’s rule. India had sold the misleading idea that Bangladesh was teetering on the edge of becoming an Islamist state — and that Hasina was the only bulwark against such a descent.
Since 2009, Bangladesh has seen three elections — all blatantly rigged. Ballot boxes were looted in broad daylight by ruling party goons, with Indian observers and emissaries looking the other way. India even spearheaded the global recognition campaign for these illegitimate governments and directly confronted the US when it took a firm stance against Hasina in 2020–21.
Now, India suddenly speaks of “inclusive democracy” in Bangladesh. The irony is staggering.
What explains India’s fury?
The truth is simple. Hasina was installed to serve as India’s proxy — to fulfill every geopolitical, economic, and strategic interest of New Delhi. From foreign policy to internal governance, she toed the Indian line. Her loyalty was so complete that she once shamelessly declared: “What I have given to India, they will never forget.” In truth, Bangladesh was effectively run from across the border.
Since her departure, India has refused to accept reality. It tried to paint Yunus as a champion of Islamist extremism — an allegation that found no traction in the international community.
Despite the provocations, the new government in Bangladesh remained focused on national reconstruction. It extended an olive branch to India, pursuing bilateral engagement and proposing a summit-level meeting — only to be rebuffed repeatedly.
Breakthrough in Bangkok
On April 4, 2025, on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, the long-awaited meeting between Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place. Originally scheduled for 20 minutes, it lasted 40 — a clear sign of thawing relations and mutual reassessment.
The atmosphere was warm and promising. Modi showered praise on Dr. Yunus and acknowledged the mistreatment he suffered under Hasina’s rule. He also responded positively to the Chief Advisor’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina to face justice in Bangladesh.
In a symbolic gesture, Yunus gifted Modi a framed photo of their 2015 meeting, when the Indian PM presented him with a gold medal at the 102nd Indian Science Congress. The recent visit of Yunus to China certainly didn’t escape India’s radar, which perhaps was also an influencing factor for Modi to meet Yunus.
Beyond symbolic gestures, the leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue. Modi raised concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh, to which Yunus responded firmly: Every citizen, regardless of religion, is protected under the constitution. Violations are addressed swiftly and without discrimination. He also assured India that Bangladesh will never allow its territory to be used for anti-Indian activities.
A season of renewal
As the two nations seek to turn a new page, it is fitting that this moment of diplomatic breakthrough coincides with a time of cultural renewal.
Having just bid farewell to Falgun (Spring), both Bangladesh and India now await the arrival of Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) on April 14. In the timeless words of Tagore:
Come, O Boishakh, cleanse the world
Let weariness fade, decay disappear,
And let the earth be purified in your fire-bath
May this spirit of renewal guide the policy-makers of both nations to rebuild trust, reinvigorate friendship, and sow the seeds of lasting cooperation.
Ashraf ud Doula is a freedom fighter and former Ambassador.