New Delhi: The deposed Bangladesh prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is set to address the media in New Delhi on August 5 (Wednesday), nearly two years after she left the country following mass agitation and widespread violence. Her planned interaction comes as she has indicated that she intends to return to Bangladesh later this year despite the prospect of arrest and ongoing legal proceedings against her.
Hasina will address a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi on August 5, the Hindu said. The event will be held from 6pm to 7.30pm and will also be livestreamed on the club’s social media platforms.
Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and other Awami League leaders are also expected to participate in the programme.
The former prime minister has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, after weeks of student-led protests culminated in the collapse of her government. India allowed her to enter the country after she sought permission to travel to India “for the moment”, according to external affairs minister, S Jaishankar’s statement in Parliament at the time.
Hasina’s return plan
The upcoming interaction comes days after Hasina spoke about her plans to return to Bangladesh. As reported earlier by RNA Media, Hasina said she intended to return to Bangladesh by December and was prepared to face possible arrest or imprisonment.
Bangladesh, however, has indicated that her return would lead to immediate legal action. Law minister M Asaduzzaman said Hasina would be arrested if she returned to the country.
Her comments have also drawn criticism from the BNP-led government. deputy minister for liberation war affairs Ishraque Hossain described her announcement about returning to Bangladesh as a “political gimmick” aimed at boosting the morale of Awami League supporters.
Hasina was sentenced to death by a Dhaka court in November 2025 in a case related to crimes against humanity. She rejected the verdict, calling it politically motivated.
India’s position on Hasina
Hasina’s continued stay in India remains one of the key issues between New Delhi and Dhaka. Bangladesh has requested her extradition, while India has said that the request is under examination. New Delhi has also maintained that Hasina should not use Indian territory for political activities in Bangladesh.
Her planned media interaction could therefore attract attention in Dhaka, particularly if she discusses the Awami League’s future, her return plans or the political situation in Bangladesh. At the same time, the event comes as India seeks to maintain engagement with the government led by prime minister, Tarique Rahman.
Rahman’s possible India visit
India has invited Rahman to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Bangladesh is not a BRICS member but has been invited as a special guest in its capacity as chair of Bimstec.
Rahman, who became prime minister in February 2026 after the BNP’s election victory, has yet to confirm whether he will attend the summit.
His possible visit would provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss bilateral relations, including trade, security and regional cooperation.
Hasina’s media interaction, coming around a month before the expected BRICS gathering, is therefore likely to draw attention in both countries, particularly because her presence in India and Bangladesh’s extradition request remain unresolved issues between New Delhi and Dhaka.