Bangladesh Protests Sheikh Hasina’s Press Conference in India, Seeks Clarification from New Delhi

The interim government of Bangladesh has expressed strong displeasure over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent press conference in New Delhi, describing the event as unacceptable and seeking an explanation from the Indian government. The development has added a fresh layer of strain to relations between the two neighbouring countries amid Dhaka’s continuing efforts to secure Hasina’s return to face legal proceedings.

In an official statement, Bangladesh said it was outraged that the former Prime Minister was permitted to publicly address the media while residing in India. The government argued that the event had hurt the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people, particularly those affected by the political violence and unrest that accompanied the mass uprising of 2024, which led to Hasina’s removal from office.

Dhaka maintained that allowing the press conference was inconsistent with the spirit of bilateral relations and called on New Delhi to clarify its position regarding the event. The Bangladeshi authorities reiterated that several criminal cases against Hasina are pending before courts in the country and emphasised that legal proceedings should be allowed to continue without external interference.

During the press conference, Hasina rejected all allegations against her and described the cases filed against her as politically motivated. She said she intended to return to Bangladesh in December and expressed confidence that she would once again be able to engage with the country’s people. The former Prime Minister also called for the restoration of political rights for members and supporters of the Awami League, asserting that restrictions imposed on the party should be lifted.

India, however, distanced itself from the event, stating that the press conference had been organised privately and did not reflect the views or involvement of the Indian government. New Delhi maintained that it had no official role in facilitating the media interaction and reiterated that the event should not be interpreted as a change in its diplomatic position.

Sheikh Hasina has been staying in India since leaving Bangladesh following the political upheaval in 2024. Since then, the interim administration in Dhaka has repeatedly sought her extradition to face multiple legal cases. India has not publicly indicated any decision regarding those requests.