Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he cannot quiet ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus told Al Jazeera during an interview on 27 April.
Speaking to journalist Nieve Barker, Dr Yunus recounted a meeting with Modi on the sidelines of a BIMSTEC summit, where he asked the Indian premier to keep Hasina quiet.
Modi, however, responded candidly, saying he could not accomplish such a thing.
He reportedly explained that in India, social media is widely used and open to all; therefore, if Sheikh Hasina chose to express herself through these platforms, it would be beyond his power to control or restrain her.
On the future of the interim government, Dr Yunus stated, "We do not wish to return to the old fascist regime. We do not wish to revert to an era of rampant money laundering. You may not be able to guarantee a leader’s integrity, but you can guarantee the integrity of the system."
Regarding elections, he suggested that if political parties could reach a consensus on a "short reform package," a national election could be held as early as December. However, if a "large reform package" were to be agreed upon, the election would likely take place in June next year.
