India distances itself from Sheikh Hasina's virtual presser, denies govt involvement

India on Tuesday (August 4) distanced itself from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual media appearance in New Delhi, stating that the event has no connection with the government.

Hasina is scheduled to speak to journalists on Wednesday (August 5) evening, marking her first interaction with the media since she fled from Dhaka two years ago after widespread student-led anti-government demonstrations.

India distances itself

The issue drew attention after Dhaka, on Monday (August 3), sought an explanation from New Delhi. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's foreign affairs adviser, Humaiun Kobir, said a public engagement by Hasina from Indian territory might weaken the positive momentum that has emerged in bilateral relations over the past few months.

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

Responding to questions during his fortnightly press briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, nor does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum."

Hasina's first address

Hasina is expected to deliver her virtual press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club.

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

The former prime minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and a number of other Awami League leaders, including Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Shakib Al Hasan are likely to speak at the conference.

Hasina, 78, has been living in India after she fled Dhaka following the collapse of her government in August 2024 in the face of a massive anti-government agitation.

Extradition demand

Last November, Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for alleged "crimes against humanity" over her government's brutal crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.

Since the verdict, Dhaka has been urging New Delhi to extradite her to face the law.

Ties on recovery path

The relations between India and Bangladesh witnessed major downturn after the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus came to power following the collapse of the Hasina government.

Also Read: Sheikh Hasina will be jailed if she returns home: Bangladesh minister

The two sides initiated efforts to stabilise the relations after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, represented India at the inauguration of Rahman as the prime minister in Dhaka on February 17.

Rahman became the prime minister following his party's landslide victory in the parliamentary polls. Hasina's Awami League party was barred from contesting the polls.

Diplomatic outreach

In April, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India as part of efforts to repair the strained bilateral ties following more than 18 months of heightened diplomatic tension.

It was the first high-level visit to India by a senior member of the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government.

(With agency inputs)