New Delhi: Bangladesh has sought a clarification from India over Sheikh Hasina’s second virtual address, warning that political activities by the ousted prime minister from Indian soil could affect bilateral ties.
“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn’t want it either. So, India has to be clear whether it is supporting it or not,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Hasina is expected to make another virtual public appearance in India after fleeing Bangladesh following the student-led uprising in August 2024. She is scheduled to participate in an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi on 5 August, the day she fled the country.
Responding to questions about the reported event, Islam said Dhaka would decide whether diplomatic engagement with New Delhi was necessary depending on the circumstances, Dhaka Tribune reported.
“If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry.”
Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation before the event, she said that the MoFA was informed that the programme was not being organised by the Indian government.
Islam said Dhaka had repeatedly conveyed to New Delhi, both verbally and in writing, that fugitives or convicted individuals should not be permitted to use Indian territory for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.
“It can. But we don’t want that,” she said when asked whether Hasina’s reported appearance could damage bilateral ties.
Despite the dispute, Islam stressed that Bangladesh remained committed to strengthening its relationship with India. “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that,” she added.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir and India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi met Monday where the former told the Indian envoy that Dhaka expected New Delhi’s cooperation in ensuring that “any person, including fugitive Hasina, cannot use Indian territory to make political statements or conduct any activities aimed at creating instability within Bangladesh.”
He added that such activities could harm the positive progress of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Indian high commissioner assured Bangladeshi officials “that the matter would be duly considered, necessary inquiries would be made, and efforts would be made in this regard.”
The news that fugitive Sheikh Hasina could make a public statement on 5 August came up in discussion, the MoFA said in a statement after the meeting.
“Bangladesh expects India’s cooperation in this matter, as the High Commissioner’s mission, including the High Commissioner to Bangladesh, cannot conduct any activities aimed at creating instability within Bangladesh, as mentioned by the High Commissioner. He notes that such activities can undermine the positive progress of bilateral relations. The High Commissioner emphasised the need to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant regarding this issue,” it added.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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