Bangladesh asks India to clarify stance on Hasina's planned speech
Dhaka warns that political activities by a fugitive could strain improving bilateral ties, as ex-PM is set to address a New Delhi event by video link.
Talivio News · Global2 min read
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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.
Updates
India's Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the government has no involvement in the event and does not endorse any views expressed, noting that the interaction is being organized by a private media entity. Meanwhile, M. Humayun Kabir, an adviser to Bangladesh’s prime minister, met with the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to protest the event and demand cooperation in preventing the fugitive Sheikh Hasina from using Indian territory for political activities.
India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the government has no involvement in the event, noting it is being organized by a private media entity and that the state does not endorse any views expressed there. Meanwhile, M. Humayun Kabir, an adviser to Bangladesh’s prime minister, met with the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to protest the event and requested cooperation in ensuring that fugitive Sheikh Hasina cannot use Indian territory for political activities.
India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the government has no involvement in the event, noting it is being organized by a private media entity and that the state does not endorse any views expressed at the forum. Additionally, M. Humayun Kabir, an adviser to Bangladesh’s prime minister, met with the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to protest the event and demand that Indian territory not be used for political activities that could cause instability.
India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the government has no involvement in the event and does not endorse any views expressed, noting that the interaction is being organized by a private media entity. Additionally, M. Humayun Kabir, an adviser to Bangladesh’s prime minister, met with the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to protest the event and requested cooperation in preventing the fugitive Sheikh Hasina from using Indian territory for political activities.
India's Foreign Ministry confirmed it has no involvement in or endorsement of the event featuring Sheikh Hasina, clarifying that the forum is organized by a private media entity — a new detail not previously stated; additionally, the death toll from Assam's floods has risen to 87, up from no prior figure given in the original report.
