India says no involvement in Hasina's virtual media event

India has formally distanced itself from a planned virtual media event featuring former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stating the government has no involvement in the private gathering. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified its position on Tuesday, August 4, after Bangladesh conveyed concerns that the event could negatively impact recently improving bilateral relations.

The interaction, organized by a private media entity, is scheduled for Wednesday evening, August 5, from the Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi. It will mark Sheikh Hasina's first live media interaction since she left Dhaka in August 2024 following the collapse of her government amid widespread protests. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated the government has no role in the event and does not endorse any views that may be expressed there.

Bangladesh raised the issue on Monday during a meeting between its Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humayun Kabir, and India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi. Officials in Dhaka had expressed worry that political activities by the former leader from Indian soil could undermine positive momentum in ties. Hasina, 78, has resided in...