Bangladesh’s Interim Head Muhammad Yunus Labels Economic Growth Under Hasina ‘Fake’

DAVOS, Jan 23 (Alliance News): Nobel laureate and Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, criticized the high economic growth reported under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling it “fake” and accusing the global community of overlooking her alleged corruption.

In an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Yunus, 84, who assumed leadership after Hasina fled to India amid violent protests, emphasized the need for inclusive growth and reducing wealth inequality.

He accused the former administration of manipulating growth figures, though he did not provide detailed evidence.

Hasina, lauded internationally for advancing Bangladesh’s economy and garment industry during her 15-year rule, faces allegations of corruption, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Dhaka has formally requested her extradition from India, where she resides, but New Delhi has not responded.

Annual growth in Bangladesh accelerated to nearly 8% in 2017/18 under Hasina, but Yunus dismissed the figures as untrustworthy.

He advocated focusing on improving the quality of life for the underprivileged rather than prioritizing economic statistics.

Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated since Hasina’s ousting. Yunus expressed hope for stronger ties, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship. Referring to China as a “long-term friend” during Bangladesh’s transition, he also urged India to extradite Hasina to face trial.

Yunus, known as the “banker to the poor” for pioneering microfinance through the Grameen Bank, promised elections in Bangladesh by 2025 or early 2026 but stated he has no political ambitions.