India – New Delhi clarifies no government role in Sheikh Hasina media event
India –India has clarified that it had no involvement in a recent media interaction featuring former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, following a strong objection from Dhaka. The Ministry of External Affairs said the programme was organised by a private media organisation and that the Indian government neither arranged the event nor endorsed statements made during it.
India issues clarification after Dhaka protest
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the government had no role in the programme held in the Indian capital. He also made it clear that India did not support comments made during the forum, particularly statements relating to what Hasina described as the “duly constituted government of Bangladesh.”
The clarification followed a formal reaction from Bangladesh, which criticised Hasina’s participation in the event and questioned why she was permitted to address the media from New Delhi.
Bangladesh expresses strong objection
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was deeply upset over Hasina’s appearance at a live media interaction hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi on Wednesday.
According to Dhaka, Hasina and individuals associated with her made remarks that were hostile towards Bangladesh. The ministry also said it had previously warned that allowing the programme to take place could have serious implications for relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Despite those concerns, the event proceeded as scheduled. Bangladesh issued its statement on the second anniversary of the July Revolution and described Hasina’s public appearance as particularly offensive to those who lost their lives during the 2024 uprising.
Hasina speaks publicly after ouster
The New Delhi interaction marked Hasina’s first media engagement since she was removed from power in August 2024. She addressed journalists through an audio link from New Delhi, where she has remained since leaving Bangladesh.
During the interaction, Hasina maintained that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December. Her remarks came despite the legal challenges she faces in her home country, including criminal convictions and the possibility of severe punishment.
Diplomatic sensitivity remains
The episode has added another sensitive issue to the already complicated relationship between India and Bangladesh. Hasina’s presence in India has remained a politically significant matter since her departure from Bangladesh, while authorities in Dhaka have continued to take a firm position against her public statements.
India’s latest clarification appears aimed at drawing a distinction between activities organised by private entities and official government policy. By stating that it neither organised nor endorsed the event, New Delhi has sought to make its position clear amid criticism from Bangladesh.
The development comes at a time when statements involving Hasina continue to attract close attention in both countries. Her future political role and the circumstances surrounding her possible return to Bangladesh remain matters of significant interest, particularly in light of the legal proceedings against her.