Senior Correspondent, Dhaka:
Bangladesh’s strong reaction to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s live media interaction in New Delhi has once again exposed the fragile state of Dhaka-Delhi relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the event as an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a setback to efforts aimed at rebuilding trust between the two neighbors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dhaka expressed outrage that Sheikh Hasina, who has been declared a fugitive and convicted in Bangladesh, was allowed to publicly address the media from Indian soil. According to the government, the event included remarks that criticized the Bangladeshi state and its people, making the issue more than a domestic political controversy.
The timing of the interaction added to the diplomatic sensitivity. Held on the second anniversary of the July Revolution, the event was viewed by Bangladesh as disrespectful to those who lost their lives during the political unrest of July-August 2024. Dhaka also accused Hasina of attempting to deny internationally documented events, including civilian casualties that were highlighted in United Nations findings.
The latest development comes despite Bangladesh’s stated efforts to rebuild bilateral relations with India. Officials said Dhaka had informed New Delhi in advance about its concerns over the possible diplomatic consequences of allowing the program to proceed. The decision to permit the event has therefore raised questions in Bangladesh over India’s willingness to address its neighbor’s security and political sensitivities.
Another unresolved issue remains Bangladesh’s request for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition under the 2013 Bangladesh-India Extradition Treaty. The foreign ministry noted that repeated requests have yet to receive an official response, further complicating the bilateral relationship.
While Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining constructive and mutually respectful ties with India, the episode highlights the growing challenge of separating political disputes from broader strategic cooperation. With trade, connectivity, regional security and economic partnerships remaining vital for both countries, sustained diplomatic engagement will be essential to prevent political disagreements from undermining long-term bilateral interests.
