Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched sharp attacks on the interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus over the worsening “security situation” in her country. Meanwhile, India has shut down two Visa Application Centres in the neighbouring country.In an exclusive interview to News18 India, Hasina said that Yunus lacked both the mandate and experience to conduct diplomacy, while criticising his outreach to Pakistan terming it “desperate”.
She also reportedly expressed appreciation for India’s “patience” amid the ongoing security situation, stating that the New Delhi-Dhaka relations have seen a setback due to the current Bangladeshi government.
“Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the nation’s strategic interests. I appreciate India’s patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our nation, rather than just a handful of unpopular extremists,” Hasina told News18.”I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbour’s patience as it waits for common sense to prevail,” she added.
India shuts down Visa centres India on Thursday, December 18, closed its Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi and Khula due to the “security situation” in the country.
She also reportedly expressed appreciation for India’s “patience” amid the ongoing security situation, stating that the New Delhi-Dhaka relations have seen a setback due to the current Bangladeshi government.
“Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to conduct diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the nation’s strategic interests. I appreciate India’s patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our nation, rather than just a handful of unpopular extremists,” Hasina told News18.”I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the silliness of the Yunus interlude, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, histories, and a 4,000km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader that can be the friend India deserves, and I appreciate our neighbour’s patience as it waits for common sense to prevail,” she added.
India shuts down Visa centres India on Thursday, December 18, closed its Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi and Khula due to the “security situation” in the country.
“In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will be closed today (18.12.2025),” an official notification on the IVAC website read.
“All applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be given a slot at a later date,” it added.
Earlier on December 17, India had also shut down the IVAC in Bangladesh capital Dhaka.
India had also summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to register a formal concern over the deteriorating security situation and threats to the Indian High Commission and Posts in his country.
Read more: India summons Bangladesh envoy; raises concern over security, Dhaka inaction on anti-India threats
