Key facts
- Bangladesh has officially requested India clarify its stance on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi.
- Dhaka warned that allowing political activities by a fugitive from Indian soil could harm improving bilateral relations.
- Hasina, who has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, is scheduled to speak at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia.
- Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated that India had previously indicated it did not expect fugitives to engage in political activities from its territory.
- Hasina was sentenced to death in 2025 for crimes against humanity over the 2024 crackdown, a verdict she has rejected.
Bangladesh has formally requested India to clarify its position regarding a planned virtual address by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from New Delhi. Dhaka expressed concern that allowing political activities by a fugitive from Indian soil could jeopardize the improving bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries.
Hasina, who has been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, is slated to speak at an event on August 5 hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi. This event marks the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that led to her government's downfall. Bangladesh has been seeking Hasina's extradition, and she has also been sentenced to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to the 2024 crackdown, a verdict she disputes.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, stated that India has previously indicated it does not expect fugitives to engage in political activities from its territory. She emphasized that Bangladesh does not want its forward-looking approach with India to be affected by statements from accused individuals. Islam indicated that Dhaka would pursue diplomatic channels if necessary.
Relations between Bangladesh and India have been strained since Hasina's removal from power, though recent signals suggest a willingness to rebuild ties following Tarique Rahman's government taking office after February's election.