Why Is Muhammad Yunus Targeting India Ahead of Bangladesh Elections? New Delhi Rejects ‘Baseless’ Allegations

With Bangladesh heading towards general elections scheduled for February next year, the country’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, has come under sharp criticism for allegedly attempting to whip up anti-India sentiment to gain political mileage. Indian security agencies and officials have firmly rejected what they describe as “fabricated and malicious” allegations being levelled against India in the run-up to the polls.

The controversy erupted after Bangladesh authorities claimed that two prime suspects in the killing of radical student leader Sharif Usman Hadi had taken shelter in India’s Meghalaya state. Indian agencies swiftly dismissed the claim, asserting that there is no evidence to support the allegation and accusing Dhaka of trying to deflect attention from its own internal failures.

India Dismisses Bangladesh’s Claims

Inspector General of the BSF’s Meghalaya Frontier, Om Prakash Upadhyay, categorically denied the allegations, stating that there was no indication of the suspects crossing the international border into India. “There is no evidence to suggest that anyone from Mymensingh entered Meghalaya illegally. No such incident has come to our notice,” he said.

Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang also termed the reports “baseless,” emphasising that India maintains strict surveillance along the international border and that any attempt at illegal infiltration is promptly detected and dealt with.

Political Motives Ahead of Elections

Political observers believe that the allegations are part of a broader strategy by the Yunus-led interim administration to create an external adversary and consolidate domestic support amid growing political instability. Critics point out that the government has largely ignored attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh while simultaneously seeking to fuel anti-India narratives.

Tensions in Bangladesh have intensified following the killing of Sharif Usman Hadi, after which violent protests and arson broke out in Dhaka and several other cities. With the killers yet to be arrested, opposition voices allege that the interim government is attempting to shift blame onto India to divert public anger.

Return of Tarique Rahman Adds to Pressure

The political pressure on Muhammad Yunus has further mounted with the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, after 17 years in exile. His return is being seen as a major turning point in Bangladeshi politics, particularly at a time of widespread protests and uncertainty.

Sources say Yunus and hardline groups are uneasy about Rahman’s re-emergence, especially given the BNP leadership’s historically cordial relations with India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently expressed concern over Khaleda Zia’s health and assured all possible assistance from India—gestures that have been noted closely in Dhaka’s political circles.

India’s Strategic Calculations

New Delhi is believed to be closely watching developments involving Tarique Rahman, viewing him as a potential leader who could help form a democratically elected and stable government in Bangladesh. Analysts say his presence could help restore regional balance and ease tensions in India-Bangladesh relations.

Allegations Against Yunus Government

Adding to the controversy, former RAW agent Lucky Bisht recently made explosive claims, alleging that extremist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, along with foreign intelligence elements, could go to extreme lengths—including orchestrating political killings—to influence election outcomes. He claimed that Hadi’s death was exploited politically and that the Bangladeshi government attempted to stage-manage the narrative by sending the body abroad, a charge yet to be officially substantiated.

Rising Tensions in Bangladesh

As Bangladesh grapples with unrest, unresolved murder investigations and a charged political atmosphere, India has reiterated that it will not accept unfounded accusations. Officials in New Delhi maintain that attempts to externalise internal political crises will neither help Bangladesh’s democratic process nor its regional relationships.

With elections approaching, analysts warn that stoking nationalism through anti-India rhetoric may deepen divisions within Bangladesh and further destabilise an already volatile situation.