Bangladesh – Media Restrictions Deepen Ahead of Sheikh Hasina’s Virtual Address
Bangladesh –Bangladesh has directed all domestic media outlets to refrain from publishing or airing any remarks by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is set to deliver an online address from India on Wednesday. The event coincides with the second anniversary of the nationwide movement that led to the fall of her government in 2024. Officials in Dhaka have maintained that broadcasting or reproducing her statements would breach existing legal restrictions, placing renewed focus on the country’s ongoing political tensions and the uncertainty surrounding Hasina’s future.
First Public Address Since Leaving the Country
Sheikh Hasina, now 78, is expected to speak through a video link during a programme hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and several other participants are also scheduled to attend the event. The appearance will mark her first public address since she departed Bangladesh following the collapse of her administration amid student-led protests.
Since relocating to India, Hasina has remained at the centre of legal and political controversy. In 2025, a Bangladeshi tribunal sentenced her to death after convicting her in a crimes against humanity case connected to the government’s response to anti-government demonstrations. The former prime minister has consistently dismissed the verdict, describing the proceedings as unconstitutional and lacking legal credibility.
Authorities Warn Against Publishing Her Remarks
Bangladesh’s Information Adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, reminded newspapers, television broadcasters, digital news platforms and social media operators that a directive issued by the International Crimes Tribunal in December 2024 remains in force. According to that order, media organisations are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting Hasina’s speeches, interviews, recorded messages or any similar content.
Government officials said any coverage of Wednesday’s address would violate the tribunal’s instructions. Despite the warning, Hasina’s associate Abu Obaidha Arin stated that the programme would continue as planned. He argued that efforts to limit political expression within Bangladesh cannot prevent speeches delivered from outside the country’s borders.
India Clarifies Its Position
The planned online address has also prompted diplomatic exchanges between Bangladesh and India. Reports indicate that Dhaka sought New Delhi’s clarification over the event, expressing concern that political activities involving a leader wanted by Bangladeshi authorities could complicate efforts to improve bilateral relations.
Responding to the issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the programme is being organised independently by a private media organisation. He stressed that the Indian government has no involvement in arranging the event and does not endorse the views or opinions that speakers may express during the discussion.
Extradition Issue Continues to Influence Bilateral Relations
The controversy comes as Bangladesh continues to press India for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka has repeatedly raised concerns over Hasina and senior members of the Awami League making political statements while staying in India.
Although relations between the neighbouring countries have faced significant strain since Hasina’s removal from office, officials on both sides have recently indicated a willingness to improve diplomatic engagement. Those efforts have gathered pace under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration, which took office after the national elections held in February. Even so, the extradition request and the legal proceedings against the former prime minister remain among the most sensitive issues shaping discussions between Dhaka and New Delhi.