Bangladesh asks India to clarify stance on Hasina address

Bangladesh has formally requested that India clarify its position on exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from New Delhi, warning that such political activities could harm improving bilateral relations. The diplomatic communication, delivered on August 3, came ahead of a media event scheduled for August 5 where Hasina is expected to outline her controversial plan to return to Bangladesh.

Senior Bangladeshi officials conveyed the message through multiple channels. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters that Dhaka does not want relations with India to be harmed by statements from fugitive accused individuals. Separately, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir delivered a similar message during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi in Dhaka, stating that continued political activities by Hasina from Indian territory could undermine positive momentum. The Indian High Commission stated that Trivedi reiterated India's intent to work positively with the Government of Bangladesh on mutual interests, but did not directly address the concerns about Hasina's event.

The event, titled "Sheikh Hasina's Homecoming,"...