Bangladesh has formally asked India to clarify its position on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned virtual speech from New Delhi. Officials in Dhaka warned that allowing political activity by a fugitive could damage the improving relationship between the two neighbours.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh is moving forward with India in a positive spirit. She stressed that progress should not be harmed by statements from individuals facing serious charges. “India has to be clear about its stance,” she told reporters.
Sheikh Hasina, who has lived in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, plans to address an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia on August 5. She will speak by video link along with her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and other participants. The gathering marks the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that removed her from power.
Bangladesh continues to seek Hasina’s extradition. In 2025 she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown. She has rejected the verdict as legally invalid and recently told reporters she intends to return to Bangladesh in December.
Islam noted that Dhaka has repeatedly shared its concerns with Indian authorities about Awami League leaders making political statements from Indian soil. She recalled 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 is ready to raise the matter through diplomatic channels if needed.
No immediate response came from the Indian foreign ministry. Relations between the two countries have faced strain since Hasina’s removal, yet both sides have recently shown interest in rebuilding ties under the new government led by Tarique Rahman.
The Hasina Delhi speech issue has now become a test of how carefully India and Bangladesh manage sensitive political matters while trying to strengthen their partnership.
