Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said India’s dissatisfaction with last year’s student-led uprising has strained bilateral ties.

Speaking to U.S. South and Central Asia envoy Sergio Gore, Yunus claimed Indian media spread “false propaganda” portraying the mass protests as an Islamist movement. “Many fake reports came from India, worsening the situation,” he added.

Yunus also noted: “India gave shelter to Sheikh Hasina, who is creating problems. This has further fueled tensions between the two countries. Because of India, SAARC remains stalled.”

He expressed interest in Bangladesh joining ASEAN as an alternative regional bloc.