Bangladesh asks India to clarify stance on ousted PM Hasina's planned speech in New Delhi

Bangladesh has urged India to provide clarity on the stance regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's scheduled virtual address from New Delhi, expressing concern that permitting political activities by a fugitive could potentially damage the improving ties between the two nations. This statement represents Bangladesh's initial official response to Hasina's planned appearance at an event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in New Delhi, commemorating the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that ousted her government.

The situation unfolds as Bangladesh persists in its pursuit of Hasina's extradition from India, where she has resided since fleeing in August 2024. Despite several cases against her, Hasina has indicated to Reuters that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December. "We are advancing with India with a forward-looking approach.

We do not want that progress to be affected," stated Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, during a press briefing on Monday. "India must clarify its position." The FCCSA has confirmed that Hasina, aged 78, will deliver her speech via video link, alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers.

However, the FCCSA has not yet commented on Bangladesh's apprehensions. Speaking to reporters, Islam emphasized that Bangladesh has consistently communicated its concerns to India concerning Hasina and other members of the Awami League making political statements from Indian soil. "We do not wish for India-Bangladesh relations to be marred by statements from individuals who are fugitives and accused," she remarked, noting that India had previously stated it did not anticipate fugitives to engage in political activities from its territory.

While acknowledging that the event was not organized by the Indian government, Islam affirmed that Dhaka would address this issue through diplomatic channels if required. The Indian foreign ministry has not yet responded to the issue. Tensions between the neighboring countries have escalated since Hasina's downfall, although both sides have recently shown a readiness to restore ties via increased engagement and cooperation since Tarique Rahman's administration assumed power following the February elections.

Hasina has been residing in India since her government was toppled following weeks of violent protests. Since then, Bangladesh has been seeking her extradition, and in 2025, she was convicted to death for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated resulted in the deaths of up to 1,400 people. Hasina has dismissed the verdict as legally invalid.