India on Tuesday clarified that it has no involvement in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s upcoming virtual media interaction in New Delhi, stating that the programme is being organised independently by a private media organisation.
The clarification came after Bangladesh sought an explanation regarding Hasina’s scheduled appearance, expressing concerns that such an event from Indian soil could affect the improving diplomatic relationship between the two countries. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humaiun Kobir, had said the interaction could undermine the positive momentum witnessed in bilateral ties over recent months.
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Responding during the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government has no role in organising the event.
“The interaction is being organised by a private media entity. The Government of India has no involvement whatsoever in it, nor does it endorse any views that may be expressed during the event,” Jaiswal said.
Sheikh Hasina is expected to participate virtually in a media interaction hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club on Wednesday evening. The event will mark her first public media appearance since she fled Bangladesh in August 2024 following a massive anti-government movement that led to the collapse of her administration.
Several senior Awami League leaders, including Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, and cricketer-turned-politician Shakib Al Hasan, are also expected to address the gathering.
The 78-year-old former Prime Minister has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh nearly two years ago. In November last year, a special tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the government’s crackdown on student-led protests in 2024.
Following the verdict, Bangladesh formally requested India to extradite Hasina to face legal proceedings. However, no decision has been announced regarding that request.
Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka had deteriorated after the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus assumed office following Hasina’s departure. Diplomatic engagement, however, has gradually resumed after Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman became Prime Minister earlier this year following a landslide election victory.
India was represented at Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, signalling a willingness from both sides to restore cooperation. Further efforts to improve ties continued in April when Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India, marking the first high-level visit by a senior member of the new government.
India’s latest clarification underscores its position that Hasina’s media interaction is not an official event and should not be interpreted as reflecting the government’s stance on Bangladesh’s domestic political developments or bilateral relations.
