Sheikh Hasina has triggered fresh diplomatic concerns after Bangladesh asked India to clarify its position on the former prime minister’s planned virtual address from New Delhi.
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Dhaka said allowing a fugitive to engage in political activities from Indian soil could affect efforts to improve bilateral relations. The government issued its first official response to Hasina’s scheduled appearance at an August 5 event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA).
Bangladesh Raises Diplomatic Concerns
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh wants to strengthen ties with India. However, she stressed that political activities by fugitive individuals should not damage that progress.
Islam said Dhaka had repeatedly shared its concerns with New Delhi. She added that India had earlier indicated it did not expect fugitives to conduct political activities from its territory.
Although the event is not organised by the Indian government, Bangladesh will raise the matter through diplomatic channels if necessary.
Virtual Address Planned from New Delhi
The FCCSA said Hasina, 78, will join the August 5 event through a video link. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers will also participate.
The programme marks the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that removed Hasina from power.
Extradition Request Remains Pending
Bangladesh continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India. She has lived there since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.
Despite facing multiple legal cases, Hasina recently told Reuters that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.
India’s foreign ministry has not issued an official response.
Bilateral Relations Remain Fragile
Relations between the neighbouring countries have remained tense since Hasina’s removal from office. However, both governments have recently expressed interest in rebuilding cooperation after Tarique Rahman’s government took office following February’s election.
In 2025, a Bangladeshi court sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown on protests. The United Nations estimated that the violence killed up to 1,400 people. Hasina rejected the verdict and called it legally invalid.
