Sheikh Hasina’s planned speech revives fresh India-Bangladesh row

Bangladesh has expressed concerns to India regarding the planned virtual address by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, warning that permitting political activities by a fugitive could harm the improving bilateral relations between the two nations. This comes as Bangladesh seeks her extradition from India, where she has resided since fleeing the country in August 2024 following her government's overthrow during student-led protests.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in Delhi, which hosted an event marking the second anniversary of the uprising, announced Hasina's appearance via video link alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers. Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, stated that the country aims to maintain a forward-looking approach with India and cautioned that progress should not be jeopardized.

Islam reiterated that Bangladesh had previously communicated its apprehensions to India about Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements from Indian soil. She emphasized that the country would raise the matter through diplomatic channels if necessary, emphasizing that the event was not organized by the Indian government. However, no immediate response was received from the Indian foreign ministry.

The strained relations between Bangladesh and India have persisted since Hasina's removal from power, although both nations have shown signs of willingness to mend ties through increased engagement and cooperation since the election in February. Hasina has been residing in India since her government's downfall after weeks of violent protests, following a death sentence for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated resulted in up to 1,400 fatalities.

Despite being sentenced to death, Hasina maintains her intention to return to Bangladesh in December.