New Delhi: Dhaka has asked India to prevent former Bangladeshi prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, from making political statements from Indian territory, saying such activities could affect efforts to improve relations between the two countries. The request came after reports that Hasina is set to address a virtual event in New Delhi on August 5, two years after the student-led protests that brought down her government.
The issue was raised during a meeting between high commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir at the prime minister’s office in Dhaka on Monday. Kobir told Trivedi that Bangladesh expected India to ensure that Hasina and other individuals linked to banned organisations do not use Indian territory for political activities aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh.
The meeting came as Bangladesh, under prime minister, Tarique Rahman, seeks to rebuild ties with India following the political transition in the country. Both sides have signalled a willingness to expand engagement and cooperation after a period of strained relations.
Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaid Islam said Dhaka did not want the progress made in ties with India to be affected by statements from people facing criminal cases in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has repeatedly raised concerns with India over Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements while staying in India. Islam said Dhaka could take up the matter through diplomatic channels if required, while acknowledging that the August 5 event was not being organized by the Indian government.
The latest concern follows reports that Hasina will join an event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi through a video link. She is expected to address the gathering alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers.
RNA Media had earlier reported that Hasina was expected to hold a press conference, while Bangladesh’s law minister had warned her against making political statements from India. The latest development comes amid renewed attention on her political activities ahead of August 5.
Dhaka has repeatedly sought Hasina’s extradition from India, where she remains after fleeing Bangladesh, as she faces multiple cases and a death sentence in the country. The Ministry of External Affairs had said in April that Bangladesh’s request for Hasina’s extradition was under examination, taking into account the legalities and judicial processes involved.
Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, following weeks of protests that forced her government from power. She was later sentenced to death by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal in a case linked to the crackdown on the demonstrations, a verdict she has rejected.
Despite the legal proceedings against her, Hasina said last month that she planned to return to Bangladesh voluntarily in December. Her proposed return and continued political activity from India have kept her extradition at the centre of discussions between Dhaka and New Delhi.
The row over Hasina’s planned address comes ahead of Tarique Rahman’s possible visit to India for the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. India has invited Rahman to attend the summit as Bangladesh’s special guest in its capacity as Bimstec chair, with his visit expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss bilateral ties.