Bangladesh Seeks India’s Position on Sheikh Hasina’s Planned Virtual Address
Bangladesh has urged India to clarify its position regarding Sheikh Hasina’s planned virtual address, warning that political activities by the former prime minister from Indian territory could undermine efforts to improve relations between the two neighbouring countries. Bangladesh Responds To Sheikh Hasina’s Planned Virtual Address The statement marks the first official reaction from Dhaka to Sheikh Hasina’s planned virtual address, which is scheduled to take place at an event in New Delhi on August 5. The programme has been organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA) to mark the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that led to the collapse of her government. Hasina, 78, has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 after weeks of nationwide protests that eventually forced her administration from power. The controversy has emerged at a time when Bangladesh continues to seek her extradition. Despite facing several criminal cases, Hasina recently told Reuters that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, said Dhaka remained committed to maintaining positive ties with New Delhi but expected greater clarity regarding the issue. “We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want that progress to be affected,” she told reporters. “India has to be clear about its stance.” According to the FCCSA, Hasina will deliver her speech through a video link and will be joined by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and several other speakers. Bangladesh Raises Diplomatic Concerns Bangladeshi officials said they had repeatedly informed India of their concerns regarding statements made by Hasina and other senior members of the Awami League while residing in India. Shama Obaed Islam stressed that Bangladesh did not want bilateral relations to suffer because of political statements made by individuals facing legal proceedings in their home country. She added that India had previously indicated that fugitives would not be permitted to engage in political activities from Indian territory. Although the event is being organised by an independent organisation rather than the Indian government, Bangladeshi authorities have signalled that the matter could be pursued through diplomatic channels if required. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. Bangladesh-India Relations Remain Under Watch Relations between Bangladesh and India have remained under strain since Hasina’s departure from office. However, both governments have recently indicated a willingness to strengthen cooperation through diplomatic engagement and expanded economic ties following the formation of Bangladesh’s new administration after elections held earlier this year. Following her removal from power, Bangladesh formally requested Hasina’s extradition. In 2025, she was sentenced to death after being convicted of crimes against humanity in connection with the government’s response to the 2024 protests. According to United Nations estimates, as many as 1,400 people lost their lives during the unrest. Hasina has strongly rejected the charges against her, arguing that the ruling has no legal basis. The latest dispute highlights the delicate nature of relations between Dhaka and New Delhi as both countries attempt to balance diplomatic cooperation with growing political sensitivities.