India Denies Role in Sheikh Hasina Event
India has clarified that it has no involvement in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s scheduled media interaction in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs said the programme is being organised independently by a private media organisation.
India Clarifies Sheikh Hasina Event
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government was neither organising nor associated with the August 5 interaction. He added that New Delhi does not endorse any views that may be expressed during the programme.
Hasina is scheduled to address journalists virtually at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. The interaction is expected to be her first major public media appearance since she left Bangladesh following the collapse of her government in August 2024.
Bangladesh Raises Hasina Speech Concerns
India’s clarification followed concerns raised by Bangladesh over the planned event. Dhaka asked New Delhi to explain its position and urged India not to allow Hasina or other Awami League leaders to use Indian territory for political activities that could affect Bangladesh’s stability.
Bangladeshi authorities have also warned domestic media organisations against broadcasting or publishing Hasina’s address, citing an existing tribunal order restricting the dissemination of her statements.
The proposed interaction falls on the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that resulted in Hasina’s removal from power.
India-Bangladesh Relations Remain Sensitive
Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in 2024. Her continued presence and public political statements have remained sensitive issues in relations between New Delhi and Dhaka.
Bangladesh has previously sought her extradition, while India has avoided publicly detailing her status or future plans. The controversy surrounding the media event comes as both countries attempt to stabilise bilateral relations after a period of diplomatic strain. By describing the programme as a private initiative, India has sought to separate the government from its organisation and any political statements made during it.
