'It's Social Media, You Can't Control It': India Snubbed Muhammad Yunus' Demand To Block Sheikh Hasina's Online Speeches

Bangladesh Interim leader Muhammad Yunus wanted India to block online speeches made by ousted leader Sheikh Hasina but Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to do so, saying social media cannot be controlled, India Today reported.

Yunus recounted an exchange with PM Modi while speaking at the Chatham House in London during a recent discussion.

"When I had the chance to talk to Prime Minister Modi, I simply said you want to host her, I cannot force you to abandon that policy... but please help us in making sure that she doesn't speak to Bangladeshi people the way she's doing," Yunus said, referring to Hasina's addresses from India.

"She announces that such and such day such and such hour she will speak, and the whole Bangladesh gets very angry. Why is she keeping this whole anger thing inside?" he added.

Yunus said that he asked PM Modi to prevent Hasina from making further statements.

Responding to Yunus' request, Prime Minister Modi reportedly replied, "It's social media, you cannot control it."

Reacting to the response, Yunus said, "What can you say? It's an explosive situation, you can't just walk away saying it's social media."

Sheikh Hasina had taken refuge in India in August last year after resigning as Bangladesh prime minister following violent protests.

Following her ouster, Yunus was appointed as interim chief adviser to the government.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have continued to rise since Hasina's removal from power in 2024.

Further, Yunus led interim government has also banned Hasina's party, the Awami League.

India has also raised the issue of violent attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh under Yunus-led interim regime.

In addition, Yunus' overture to China has also raised alarm in New Delhi.

His open invitation for Beijing to expand its regional influence has raised strategic red flags in New Delhi.

Yunus and his advisers have also made disparaging comments about India.

The Bangladesh interim chief advisor's comments on India's Northeastern states have also not gone down well in India.

Yunus had called the Northeastern states “landlocked” and described Bangladesh as "guardian of the Ocean", implying that Dhaka could control their economic access to the Bay of Bengal.

“The eastern part of India, known as the Seven Sisters, is landlocked. They have no access to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean in this region. This opens up huge possibilities,” Yunus said while addressing Chinese officials.

The remarks triggered outrage across the region, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other leaders condemning the comments as provocative and hostile.

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