Dhaka: Dhaka has expressed strong concern over India allowing former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make a public address in New Delhi, warning that the incident could set a “dangerous precedent” and harm future Bangladesh–India relations.
In an official statement issued by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, the government said it was “surprised” and “shocked” that Hasina was permitted to speak at a public event in the Indian capital and make political remarks against Bangladesh’s interim administration. Dhaka added that the development could jeopardise the nation’s democratic transition and peace and security ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, 2026.
“The government and the people of Bangladesh are surprised and shocked that fugitive Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity, was allowed to make a statement at a public event in New Delhi on 23 January,” the official statement, as quoted by NDTV World, reads.
Bangladesh also criticised India for not acting on repeated requests to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Instead, the statement said, she was allowed to deliver what Bangladesh described as “inciteful pronouncements” from Indian soil, which it termed contrary to the norms of sovereignty, non-interference and good neighbourliness.
Dhaka’s foreign ministry described the event as a “clear affront” to both the people and government of Bangladesh and said that permitting the address “sets a dangerous precedent” that may seriously impair the ability of the next elected government in Bangladesh to build constructive ties with India.
The interim government also said it would hold Hasina’s Awami League responsible if any violence occurs during the election run-up and on polling day.
Hasina, 78, has been living in India since August 2024 after her government fell following mass protests. She made the address in New Delhi this week — her first public speech since then — calling on citizens to rise against the interim government, alleging it cannot ensure free and fair elections.
