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In an exclusive interview to News18 India, Hasina said Yunus lacked both the mandate and experience to conduct diplomacy, while criticizing his efforts for Pakistan, calling it “disappointing”.
He reportedly praised India’s “patience” amid the current security situation, adding that New Delhi-Dhaka relations have suffered a setback due to the current Bangladeshi government.
Hasina told News18, “Yunus has neither the expertise nor the mandate to run diplomacy, which is about long-term partnerships and the strategic interests of the country. I appreciate India’s patience as it waits for a leader who can represent our country rather than just some unpopular extremists.”
He said, “I have no doubt that our relationship with India can withstand the folly of Yunus’s intervention, which will be temporary. India is not just a strategic partner, it is a friend with whom we share cultures, history and a 4,000 km border. Once Bangladeshis can vote freely, they will elect a leader who can be a friend of India, and I appreciate the patience of our neighbor as he waits for common sense to prevail.”
India closed visa centers
India on Thursday, December 18 closed its visa application centers in Rajshahi and Khula in Bangladesh due to the “security situation” in the country.
“In view of the prevailing security situation, we would like to bring to your kind notice that IVAC Rajshahi and Khulna will remain closed today (18.12.2025),” an official notification on the IVAC website said.
“Applicants who have appointment slots booked for submission today will be offered a slot at a later date,” it said.
Earlier on December 17, India had also closed IVAC in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.
India had also summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riyaz Hamidullah to register formal concern over the deteriorating security situation in his country and threats against the Indian High Commission and posts.