Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its stance on exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi, according to Reuters. Dhaka said political activity by a fugitive could harm improving ties between the two countries. The request came ahead of an Aug. 5 event marking the second anniversary of the uprising that removed her government.
Why did Bangladesh ask India to clarify its stance on Hasina?
Bangladesh's foreign ministry said statements by Hasina and other Awami League leaders from Indian soil risk undermining warming ties between the two countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka wants India to make its position clear on political activity by a fugitive. Hasina is currently facing multiple cases in Bangladesh, including a death sentence for crimes against humanity.
What did Bangladesh's foreign ministry say?
Islam told reporters late Monday that Dhaka is taking a forward-looking approach with India and does not want that progress affected. "We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want that progress to be affected," she said. "India has to be clear about its stance."
She added that Bangladesh has repeatedly raised concerns with India over Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements from Indian territory. "We do not want India-Bangladesh relations to be harmed by statements from fugitive accused individuals," Islam said, noting that India had previously signaled it did not expect fugitives to engage in political activity on its soil. She said the New Delhi event was not organized by the Indian government, but that Dhaka would raise the matter through diplomatic channels if necessary. India's foreign ministry had not issued an immediate response.
What is Hasina's planned New Delhi address about?
Hasina, 78, is set to address the event by video link, according to the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, which is hosting the program. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers are also expected to take part. The club did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Bangladesh's concerns.
The event falls on Aug. 5, the same date as the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that toppled Hasina's government in 2024. She has lived in India since fleeing Bangladesh that August, and Dhaka has continued to press for her extradition.
Why is Bangladesh seeking Hasina's extradition?
Bangladesh has sought Hasina's extradition since her government fell after weeks of deadly protests. In 2025, she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated killed as many as 1,400 people. Hasina has called the verdict legally void and rejected it.
Despite the charges against her, Hasina told Reuters in an interview that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December. That statement has added urgency to Dhaka's push for India to address her political activity while she remains on Indian soil.
How are India-Bangladesh relations affected?
Relations between the two South Asian neighbors have been strained since Hasina's removal from power. Both governments have recently signaled willingness to rebuild ties through greater engagement, especially since Tarique Rahman's government took office after February's election.
Bangladesh's latest request to India shows that Hasina's continued presence and political activity remain a central point of friction. How India responds could shape the pace of that diplomatic reset in the months ahead.
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