Bangladesh raises concern over Hasina’s address in India

Bangladesh on Sunday expressed concern over deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina being allowed to address a public gathering in India, saying her remarks could affect the country’s political stability ahead of the general elections. In a statement issued in Dhaka, the Foreign Ministry said it was “surprised” and “shocked” that Hasina was permitted to speak at a public event in New Delhi and make political comments against the interim government, the state-run BSS news agency reported.

“This clearly endangers Bangladesh’s democratic transition and peace and security,” the statement said. Hasina, 78, has been living in India after she fled Dhaka following the collapse of her Government in August 2024, in the wake of a massive student-led agitation. The ministry also referred to pending requests for her extradition under the bilateral extradition agreement between the two countries.

Bangladesh remains “aggrieved” that despite repeated requests, the matter of handing over Hasina has not progressed, while she has been allowed to make political statements from Indian soil, the statement said.  It said such actions were contrary to the norms of non-interference and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. It underlined that the incitements by the Awami League leadership demonstrated why the interim government had banned the party’s activities. Hasina on Friday called on the people of Bangladesh to overthrow the Muhammad Yunus-led regime, saying free and fair elections will not be possible if it remains in power.