New Delhi/Dhaka: A fresh diplomatic row appears to be brewing between India and Bangladesh after Dhaka raised concerns over former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi on August 5.
Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its position on Hasina's participation in an event being organised by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia, warning that allowing a fugitive leader to engage in political activities from Indian soil could negatively impact improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
Hasina, who has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that led to the collapse of her government, is scheduled to address the event via video link.
The programme is being held to mark the second anniversary of the mass movement that resulted in her ouster.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Islam said Dhaka has repeatedly conveyed its concerns regarding Hasina and other leaders of the Awami League making political statements while staying in India.
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According to the minister, Bangladesh is keen to strengthen ties with New Delhi but does not want those efforts undermined by activities involving individuals facing legal proceedings in Bangladesh. She said Dhaka expects India to uphold its earlier position that fugitives should not engage in political activities from its territory.
While acknowledging that the event is not being organised by the Indian government, Bangladesh has indicated that the issue could be formally raised through diplomatic channels if necessary.
The development comes amid Bangladesh's continuing efforts to secure Hasina's extradition from India. Dhaka has accused the former prime minister in multiple cases linked to the 2024 crackdown on anti-government protests.
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Bangladeshi authorities have also handed down a death sentence against Hasina in a case related to crimes against humanity, a verdict she has dismissed as legally invalid.
In a recent interview, Hasina said she intends to return to Bangladesh in December despite the legal challenges against her.
Her planned virtual appearance from New Delhi has once again placed the former Bangladeshi leader at the centre of a sensitive diplomatic issue, adding a new layer of complexity to India-Bangladesh relations at a time when both countries have been attempting to stabilise ties.
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