India Disavows Role in Sheikh Hasina Press Event Amid Growing Dhaka Friction
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that a planned media briefing by former leader Sheikh Hasina is a private affair. This statement follows warnings from Dhaka that her political activities on Indian soil may damage bilateral relations.
Key takeaways
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the Indian government has no role in or endorsement of Sheikh Hasina’s press event at the FCC.
- Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir warned that Hasina's political activities in India could harm bilateral relations.
- Dhaka is reportedly displeased that PM Tarique Rahman was invited to the BRICS summit as BIMSTEC Chair rather than solely as Bangladesh's head of state.
- The Awami League, led by Hasina, was formally banned by the Tarique Rahman government in April 2026 under anti-terrorism legislation.
New Delhi Distances Itself from Hasina Media Appearance
The Indian government has publicly dissociated itself from a scheduled press conference involving deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Speaking on August 4, 2026, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the event at the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) is the initiative of a private media entity. Jaiswal emphasized that the government has no involvement in the session and does not endorse any opinions expressed during the forum.
This clarification follows a scheduled announcement by FCC President Dr. Waiel Awwad, who indicated that Hasina intends to use the August 5 session to detail her return to Bangladesh. Hasina has remained in India since her administration was ousted on August 5, 2024, following a student-led uprising.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over Political Activity
The development has triggered significant pushback from the current administration in Dhaka. Humayun Kobir, Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, met with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi on August 3 to express formal concern. Kobir warned that allowing Hasina to conduct political activities from Indian territory could obstruct the progress of bilateral ties. Furthermore, the Bangladesh Press Information Department issued a directive on Tuesday urging domestic media outlets to deny a platform to Hasina, citing a death sentence previously handed down by the International Crimes Tribunal.
- The Awami League was officially banned under anti-terrorism laws in April 2026.
- The interim government previously restricted the party's activities between 2024 and early 2026.
- Dhaka has expressed dissatisfaction over the nature of recent diplomatic invitations.
BRICS Invitation Adds to Complex Relations
Friction has also emerged regarding the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. While India invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, diplomatic sources suggest Dhaka is displeased that the invitation was issued to him as the Chair of BIMSTEC rather than specifically as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Jaiswal countered these concerns by noting that Rahman holds a standing invitation for a bilateral visit as Prime Minister, extended shortly after his inauguration on February 17. He maintained that the BRICS outreach invitation follows standard protocols for the summit's structure.
Source: The Hindu — World
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