Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its stance on ousted former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi, warning that allowing political activities by a fugitive could hurt improving bilateral relations. The remarks are Dhaka's first official response to Hasina's scheduled appearance at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in New Delhi.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said, 'We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach' and 'We don't want that progress to be affected.' He added, 'India has to be clear about its stance' and 'We do not want India-Bangladesh relations to be harmed by statements from fugitive accused individuals.'
Islam said Bangladesh had repeatedly conveyed its concerns to India over Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements from Indian soil. He noted that India had previously indicated it did not expect fugitives to engage in political activities from its territory.
The planned address
Hasina, 78, is set to make a live but virtual speech on August 5, marking the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that toppled her government. The event, titled 'Sheikh Hasina's Homecoming,' will be joined by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and other speakers. A flyer for the event posted on X said Hasina would thank journalists at the club in New Delhi ahead of her 'homecoming.'
The event is not organised by the Indian government, and it is not Hasina's first public address from India. Hasina has been living in exile in India since being ousted from power in 2024. Ties between India and Bangladesh grew strained since Hasina fled to India.
