Dhaka Seeks India's Position on Hasina's Planned Virtual Address from New Delhi

Image: Collected

Bangladesh has urged India to clarify its position over exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi, saying that allowing political activities by a fugitive could undermine the improving relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

The request marks Dhaka's first official reaction to Hasina's scheduled appearance at an August 5 event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in New Delhi to commemorate the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that led to the fall of her government.

Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024. Dhaka has continued to seek her extradition, while the former prime minister told Reuters in an interview that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December despite facing multiple legal cases.

"We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want that progress to be affected," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters late on Monday. "India has to be clear about its stance."

According to the FCCSA, Hasina, 78, is expected to join the New Delhi programme via video link alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers. The organisation did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Bangladesh's concerns.

Islam said Bangladesh has repeatedly raised objections with India over Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements while staying in India.

"We do not want India-Bangladesh relations to be harmed by statements from fugitive accused individuals," she said, adding that India had previously indicated it did not expect fugitives to engage in political activities from its territory.

While noting that the programme is not organised by the Indian government, the minister said Bangladesh would pursue the issue through diplomatic channels if necessary.

India's Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately comment on the matter.

Relations between Bangladesh and India have remained under strain since Hasina's removal from office, although both countries have recently expressed interest in rebuilding ties through greater engagement and cooperation following the formation of Tarique Rahman's government after the February election.

Hasina has remained in India since her government was ousted after weeks of deadly protests. Bangladesh has sought her extradition, and in 2025 she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity over the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated claimed up to 1,400 lives. Hasina has dismissed the verdict as legally invalid.