India Watches Closely As Yunus Set To Hand Over Power Amid Buzz Of Ceremonial Post

Last Updated:February 14, 2026, 17:56 IST

New Delhi is prepared to engage constructively with the “government of the day” under the BNP, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18.

Bangladesh Polls: Muhammad Yunus is set to hand over power following the February 12 parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, which saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) emerge victorious.

Meanwhile, New Delhi is closely watching developments as Bangladesh transitions into what is being described as a “post-Yunus phase." New Delhi is prepared to engage constructively with the “government of the day" under the BNP, top intelligence sources told CNN-News18.

As per intelligence sources, there is speculation that the Nobel laureate could be offered a ceremonial presidency or an advisory role, with some advocating that his international stature be utilised in a non-executive capacity.

As per sources, security concerns peaked during Yunus’s tenure, citing what they described as deliberate anti-India posturing and growing Islamist space in Bangladesh. In January 2026, promotion list of 118 joint secretaries deliberately excluded Hindu officers, a move Indian agencies believe could have long-term implications for minority representation within the Bangladeshi administration.

Yunus’s tenure also saw a warming of ties between Dhaka and Islamabad, including four high-level military visits in 2025 and eased visa norms. Indian agencies reportedly scrutinised these developments amid reports of possible arms trafficking and radical regrouping in the region.

According to intelligence sources, Yunus is facing calls for a smooth and imminent exit, with several democratic parties arguing that while his tenure was meant to oversee a transition, many of his actions were “not democratic." Several Bangladeshi leaders, including the Jamaat chief, have reportedly maintained that his role was strictly transitional.

Officials emphasised that Yunus’s departure would not fundamentally alter India-Bangladesh engagement. New Delhi is hopeful that a BNP-led government may revisit certain strategic decisions taken during the interim phase and take steps to address minority concerns.

As per intelligence sources, Yunus managed to stabilise Bangladesh’s foreign reserves during a difficult economic phase. However, inflation reportedly remained around 9%, youth unemployment stayed elevated, and the garment sector— which accounts for nearly 80% of the country’s exports— faced disruptions.

Indian intelligence assessments suggested Yunus lacked strong organisational depth, electoral backing or military support, factors that may have contributed to the current political churn.

Sources said that while Yunus derived authority from Parliament during the interim arrangement, his position did not have clear constitutional standing.

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