Dhaka Warns India Against Hosting Deposed Leader Sheikh Hasina’s Political Media Events
Bangladesh's interim leadership has officially cautioned New Delhi that allowing ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to conduct political activities from India risks damaging bilateral ties. This follows an announced media event commemorating her departure from Dhaka.
Key takeaways
- Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir warned India that Sheikh Hasina's political activities could harm bilateral progress.
- Dhaka requested that New Delhi prevent the use of Indian territory for statements aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh.
- The Foreign Correspondents Club plans to host a 'Sheikh Hasina’s Homecoming' event featuring her son and Awami League officials.
- Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi assured Dhaka that the matter would be investigated and considered.
- Sheikh Hasina has been based in India since August 2024 and intends to return to Bangladesh by the end of 2026.
Diplomatic Tension Over Proposed 'Homecoming' Broadcast
The Government of Bangladesh has formally signaled its discontent to New Delhi regarding the continued political activities of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Indian soil. On August 3, 2026, Humayun Kobir, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, met with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi to address a planned media event scheduled for August 5. The event, organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club, is titled Sheikh Hasina’s Homecoming and is expected to feature an audio message from the former leader.
Dhaka argues that providing a platform for such broadcasts undermines regional stability. During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Kobir explicitly stated that these maneuvers could obstruct the positive trajectory of the relationship between the two neighbors. The official news agency UNB reported that Dhaka expects India to prevent any individual from using its territory to incite instability within Bangladesh through political statements.
India’s Measured Response to Dhaka’s Concerns
In response to the formal grievance, High Commissioner Trivedi assured the Bangladeshi administration that New Delhi would investigate the matter and give it due consideration. However, the Indian High Commission’s public statement focused on broader cooperation. The mission described the dialogue as an exchange centered on mutual interests and developmental goals, avoiding direct mention of the specific restrictions requested for the former Prime Minister.
Background of the Exiled Leadership
Since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina has maintained a presence in India, frequently using telephonic and digital channels to communicate with her supporters. Her recent interviews suggest a firm intention to return to Bangladesh by the end of 2026. The upcoming August 5 event is set to include:
- A recorded address from Sheikh Hasina.
- Participation from her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy.
- Contributions from senior officials of the Awami League.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Foreign Correspondents Club President Waeil Awwad confirmed to the press that the event remains scheduled as planned. The Bangladeshi government remains vigilant, seeking to ensure that Indian territory does not serve as a launchpad for opposition movements against the current administration.
Source: The Hindu — National
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