China's Confidence In Bangladesh Under Threat Due To Yunus' Policies, Says Sheikh Hasina | Exclusive

Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh must restore political legitimacy and regional confidence to maintain stable relations with China and other neighbours, following changes in the country’s leadership. Speaking to CNN-News18’s Manoj Gupta in her first extensive conversation since leaving Dhaka, Hasina, responding to a question on whether Beijing had advised restraint or given assurances during her final days in office, said her government had always prioritised strong ties with China for both trade and security reasons. “We have always prioritised good relations between China and Bangladesh for reasons of trade and security. To maintain stability in our region and in our foreign relations, our neighbours must have confidence in us,” she said. Hasina, however, warned that the confidence was “under threat” while the current unelected administration led by Muhammad Yunus remained in power. She accused the interim government of pursuing “volatile foreign and trade policies” that could undermine Bangladesh’s credibility as a regional partner. “This confidence is under threat while the unelected Yunus government remains in power and pursues volatile foreign and trade policies. My hope is that Bangladesh regains its position as a reliable economic and diplomatic partner through the election of a legitimate government that represents the interests of its people,” she said.