Bangladesh seeks India’s stand on Sheikh Hasina’s virtual event, issues warning

Bangladesh has asked India to make clear its position on deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi on Wednesday (August 5), with a caution that allowing political activities by a political fugitive on Indian soil could harm bilateral ties between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Virtual event on Aug 5

Media reports said that Hasina, 78, is expected to join a private event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) virtually on August 5 in New Delhi, coinciding with the second anniversary of her government's ouster.

Also read: Sheikh Hasina breaks silence, to hold presser on Aug 5 to reveal homecoming plans

'Don’t want ties with India to be affected'

Informing about Bangladesh’s communication to India, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations. "Bangladesh wants India to make its position clear on the matter," PTI quoted her as saying.

Separately, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Foreign Affairs adviser Humaiun Kobir said Hasina's planned public address from Indian soil could undermine the “positive momentum in bilateral relations”.

“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want that progress to be affected,” Reuters quoted Islam as telling reporters late on Monday (August 3).

‘Fugitives shouldn't use India for political activities’

The junior foreign minister’s statement comes amid Bangladesh’s bid to extradite Hasina from India, where she has been living after her government was toppled following a students’ uprising. Hasina, who has multiple cases against her, recently announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.

Also read: Sheikh Hasina plans December return to Bangladesh, says she will surrender

Islam said political activities by "fugitives from India who seek to create instability in Bangladesh" could affect bilateral ties while Dhaka repeatedly conveyed its position that “fugitives or convicted individuals” should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.

Shama said Bangladesh will take up the matter through diplomatic channels if necessary.

'India promised to pay attention to issue'

Kobir said Bangladesh expected India to debar Hasina or any individual related to her disbanded party and affiliated organisations from using Indian territory to deliver political statements or carry out activities aimed at creating instability inside Bangladesh, according to an official statement.

Also read: 'Chest thumping not foreign policy, New Delhi-Dhaka must return to dialogue' | Worldly-Wise

He made the comments when Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi paid a courtesy call on him.

According to PTI, Bangladesh in a statement claimed that the Indian High Commissioner assured that the matter "would be duly considered, necessary inquiries made, and active attention paid to the issue."