India Distances Itself from Sheikh Hasina’s Planned Delhi Address

New Delhi has firmly distanced itself from a high-profile press engagement involving ousted former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, clarifying that the Indian government has no involvement in the event nor does it endorse any views expressed.

The public interaction, hosted virtually by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC) in the Indian capital, has been scheduled to mark the second anniversary of the collapse of the Hasina administration on 5 August 2024. Hasina, who sought refuge in India following widespread street protests that forced her resignation, is expected to outline her vision for Bangladesh and announce her intentions regarding a return home.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underscored the private nature of the forum. “The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it. Neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum,” he stated.

The upcoming address has triggered sharp pushback from Dhaka, where officials view the platform provided to the exiled leadership as a direct threat to domestic stability. Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir raised the issue directly with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the Prime Minister’s Office, warning that such political activities could derail recent efforts to repair bilateral relations. In response, Trivedi assured Bangladeshi officials that New Delhi would conduct the necessary inquiries and remain vigilant regarding the matter.

Domestically, the administration in Dhaka has taken a hardline stance. Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman reminded local news outlets that publishing or broadcasting Hasina’s statements violates a December 2024 directive issued by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, which placed a strict embargo on her public messages. Despite these restrictions, Hasina’s aide Abu Obaidha Arin insisted the virtual address would proceed, arguing that attempts to suppress dissent within Bangladesh cannot silence political movements operating beyond its borders.

According to FCC president Waiel Awwad, the event, themed “Sheikh Hasina’s Homecoming”, will feature several high-profile figures from her party, the banned Awami League. Expected attendees include her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, and former international cricketer and lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan. Hasina, who faces severe legal proceedings including a death sentence in Bangladesh, recently indicated plans to return from exile around December to face trial.

The controversy comes at a delicate moment for diplomatic ties between the two neighbours. Relations have been undergoing a cautious recalibration since February, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won the national elections and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly extended congratulations, building upon previous high-level diplomacy that saw External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attend Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

New Delhi has also extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Rahman to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in his capacity as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, alongside an invitation for a bilateral visit. Indian officials remain eager to protect these freshly rebuilt diplomatic bridges, making New Delhi’s swift disavowal of the Hasina event a carefully calibrated move to reassure leadership in Dhaka.