Yunus Criticizes Hasina’s Economic Legacy, Calls for Accountability

DAVOS, Switzerland – Nobel laureate and interim Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus has criticized the economic achievements of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling her claims of high growth during her tenure “fake” and accusing the global community of ignoring her alleged corruption.

Yunus, 84, who assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government in August, made these remarks during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Hasina, who had governed Bangladesh since 2009, fled to India after violent protests erupted in her country.

While Hasina is credited with transforming Bangladesh into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, her government has faced allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and corruption. She is currently under investigation in Bangladesh for crimes against humanity, murder, and money laundering, among other charges.

Yunus accused the international community of turning a blind eye to Hasina’s alleged misconduct, stating, “She was in Davos telling everybody how to run a country. Nobody questioned that. That’s not a good world system at all.” He also criticized Hasina’s claims of economic growth, describing them as “completely fake” without elaborating further.

Bangladesh’s annual economic growth reached nearly 8% in 2017/18 under Hasina, a sharp rise from 5% in 2009. The World Bank has hailed Bangladesh as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, recognizing its progress from one of the poorest nations to achieving lower-middle-income status.

Yunus emphasized the importance of reducing wealth inequality and fostering inclusive growth, saying, “I’m driven by the quality of life of the people at the very bottom level. I would rather bring an economy which avoids the whole idea of wealth concentration.”

Strained Ties with India

Yunus has called for India to extradite Hasina to face trial in Bangladesh, asserting that justice must prevail for alleged crimes against her opponents and protesters. However, New Delhi has yet to respond to Bangladesh’s request for extradition.

Yunus expressed disappointment over the current tensions with India, describing the strained relationship as deeply personal. “Bangladesh-India relationship should be the strongest possible,” he said, highlighting the two countries’ intertwined geography and shared cultural ties.

While acknowledging China’s long-standing support for Bangladesh, Yunus underlined the need for closer ties with India, particularly during this critical juncture.

Yunus, known as the “banker to the poor” for his pioneering microfinance initiatives through Grameen Bank, has pledged to hold elections in Bangladesh by late 2025 or early 2026 but stated he has no interest in running for office.