Nobel winner Muhammad Yunus told Sheikh Hasina’s economic growth rate false

Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government of Bangladesh and winner Nobel Prize winner, has termed the country’s economic growth and achievements as completely false during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Yunus alleged that corruption was at its peak during Hasina’s reign, but no country in the world raised questions on it.

Sheikh Hasina serious allegations

In an interview to Reuters, Muhammad Yunus said:

“During the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, big things were done about Bangladesh’s economic growth, but it was all fake.”

Yunus accused Hasina of falsely propagated Bangladesh’s economy on international forums.

• He claimed that the growth rate was exaggerated.
• Sheikh Hasina presented a wrong picture to the world, hiding domestic problems.

Textile industry and women workers contribute

Bangladesh’s economy was prominently strengthened by the textile industry under Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

• Women workers played a big role in the region.
• Critics say Hasina exaggerated economic growth and used political power to suppress her opponents.

“No evidence despite the allegations”

Yunus did not provide any concrete evidence, describing Sheikh Hasina’s development report as fake.
However, he emphasized the need for reducing the difference between the poor and the rich and the need for inclusive development.

Was the growth rate faster than India?

Bangladesh’s growth rate was around 5% at the time of Sheikh Hasina assuming power.

• It increased to 8% in 2017-18, the highest in South Asia.
• This growth rate fell later due to the influence of Kovid and Ukraine War.
• The World Bank also described Bangladesh as the fastest growing economy in the world in 2023.

World Bank praise and Bangladesh’s progress

The World Bank praised its policies and efforts in 2015 to include Bangladesh in the category of poor to low medium -income countries.

• After independence in 1971, Bangladesh continued to struggle.
• Better policies and management put it on the path of economic progress.

Sheikh Hasina’s farewell to power and interim government formed

• Governance from 2009 to 2024: Sheikh Hasina led Bangladesh while in power for a long time.
• Energy of power in August 2024
  • Hasina had to leave power after the alleged student movements and army intervention.
  • The interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus.

Violence and political upheaval after change of power

• As soon as Sheikh Hasina was removed, anger against her and her party intensified.
• Attacks on party leaders began, and many were beaten to death.
• There were reports of increasing atrocities on minority Hindus.
• His political rival Khaleda Zia was released from jail.
• Several old cases against Sheikh Hasina were reopened.

Demand for shelter and extradition in India

• Sheikh Hasina is currently taking shelter in India.
• The interim government of Bangladesh has demanded India to hand over Hasina.
• However, India has not yet responded to this.