Bangladesh Asks India to Clarify Stance on Hasina’s Virtual Speech

Bangladesh – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Bangladesh asks India to explain where it stands on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming online speech, set to be delivered from New Delhi on August 5. Dhaka says it wants clear answers before the event goes ahead, warning that political moves by a wanted leader could damage the fragile progress both nations have made in recent months.

The event marks two years since student-led protests forced Hasina from power. It is being organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, not by the Indian government itself. Even so, Bangladeshi officials say the location and timing raise real concerns.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam spoke to reporters on Monday night. She said Bangladesh values its growing partnership with India and does not want that relationship to suffer setbacks. Her message was simple: India needs to state its position clearly.

Hasina has lived in India since August 2024, after fleeing amid deadly unrest. Bangladesh has pushed repeatedly for her extradition, but so far, no handover has happened. Multiple legal cases remain open against her back home.

In a surprising twist, Hasina recently told Reuters she intends to return to Bangladesh by December. No further details were shared about how or under what conditions that return might occur.

At the New Delhi event, Hasina will appear by video call. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is also expected to speak, along with other guests. The organizing club has not yet responded to questions about Dhaka’s objections.

Islam noted this isn’t the first time Bangladesh has raised the issue. She said her government has flagged concerns before about Awami League leaders using Indian soil to make political statements. According to her, India had earlier signaled it did not want fugitives engaging in political activity while on Indian territory.

She added that if needed, Bangladesh will take the matter through formal diplomatic channels rather than letting it slide.

So far, India’s foreign ministry has not issued any public response.

Ties between the two neighbors have been rocky since Hasina’s government collapsed. Still, both sides have shown some willingness lately to rebuild trust, especially after Tarique Rahman’s administration took charge following February’s election.

Hasina’s fall came after weeks of violent protests that shook the country. The United Nations estimates that up to 1,400 people died during the crackdown that followed. In 2025, a Bangladeshi court sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity connected to that period. Hasina has called the ruling invalid and politically driven.

The coming days may reveal whether India responds to Dhaka’s request, and whether the August 5 event goes forward as planned. For now, both governments appear to be watching each other closely, weighing diplomacy against domestic pressure.