New Delhi: After Bangladesh reacted sharply to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s first public ‘appearance’ since taking refuge in India two years ago, New Delhi clarified it had no role in the media interaction on August 5, and said it does not endorse the remarks made during the event.
“The government had no role to play in what was an event by a private media entity, and it does not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted government of Bangladesh,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday.
The Bangladesh Foreign ministry went to the extent of alleging that the event in New Delhi was “an affront to the sovereignty” of the country. It claimed Hasina and her associates had launched “venomous vitriol” against Bangladesh and its people from Indian soil.
Bangladesh expressed regret that India has not responded to repeated requests for Hasina’s extradition.
Dhaka pointed out that it wanted to maintain a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference and national dignity.
During the audio-only virtual press conference on Wednesday, Hasina reiterated she was determined to return to Bangladesh in December to put the country on the “right track” by restoring democracy despite the possibility of imprisonment or a death sentence.
“I know, they may put me in jail or kill me. I will go back home to be with my people,” Hasina said, adding that her return was about restoring Bangladesh’s path of development, secularism, stability and prosperity.
“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering,” Hasina had said.
