Bangladesh Protests Sheikh Hasina Event in India
Bangladesh has strongly protested former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s virtual press conference in New Delhi, describing the event as an affront to its sovereignty. The controversy has renewed diplomatic tensions despite India distancing itself from the privately organised interaction.
Bangladesh Condemns Hasina Press Conference
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed outrage over Hasina being allowed to address journalists from Indian territory. It said permitting a convicted former leader to conduct political activities could damage bilateral relations and interfere with Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
Dhaka described Hasina as an absconding convict and objected to her criticism of the current government. Authorities had also warned Bangladeshi media organisations against broadcasting or publishing her remarks, citing an existing court order restricting the dissemination of her statements.
India Denies Role in Hasina Event
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the government had no involvement in organising the press conference. It clarified that the interaction was arranged by a private media organisation and that New Delhi did not endorse any views expressed during the event.
Hasina participated through an audio link at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. The former prime minister has lived in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following the student-led uprising that ended her government.
Sheikh Hasina Plans December Return
During the interaction, Hasina announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December 2026 despite facing arrest and a death sentence. She called for the ban on the Awami League to be lifted and demanded the release of detained political workers.
A Bangladeshi tribunal convicted Hasina in absentia of crimes against humanity connected to the suppression of the 2024 protests. She has rejected the verdict as politically motivated. Bangladesh has sought her extradition, while India has maintained that the request remains under consideration.
