Despite government efforts, deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to participate virtually in an event titled “Sheikh Hasina Homecoming”, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 5 August and organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia.
The government has already conveyed its displeasure and warned Delhi that any political activity by Hasina from Indian soil could negatively affect bilateral relations.
Contacted by TIMES of Bangladesh, Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nasim claimed that the government had made repeated attempts to prevent Hasina from addressing the programme.
“The government has tried, and is still trying, in various ways to stop Sheikh Hasina from participating directly in the event or delivering a speech. But nothing can stop her. All preparations have been completed, and journalists from Bangladesh and abroad have already been invited,” he said.
Abbas Ali Chowdhury, vice-president of the Awami League’s European Union chapter, said Hasina is expected to join the event through an audio address rather than a video appearance. He added that she is also expected to participate in a question-and-answer session with journalists.
According to a leaflet circulating on social media, the event will feature Hasina’s virtual address to journalists, during which she is expected to express her appreciation ahead of what organisers describe as her “homecoming”.
The leaflet also lists several participants, including Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh Human Rights Watch General Secretary Mahammad Ali Siddique and others.
Former Awami lawmaker and ex-state minister for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat has confirmed that Joy and Shakib will participate in the event online, while Nowfel will be physically present.
Hasina will extend her gratitude to international media through an audio message and convey her greetings.
She may also respond to a few questions should she choose to do so. The Indian government has imposed no restrictions or pressure on the delivery or dissemination of her statement.
For strategic reasons, Hasina is refraining from video appearances or public meetings. However, she will appear in public or join via video call if she considers it necessary.
The development comes at a time when Dhaka and New Delhi are working to improve bilateral ties following months of diplomatic strain. Observers say any political activity involving the former prime minister from Indian soil could complicate those efforts and create a fresh point of contention between the two neighbours.
Meanwhile, Foreign Adviser to the prime minister Humayun Kabir on Monday told Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi that any political statement or activity by Hasina from Indian territory could have a negative impact on Bangladesh-India relations.
The issue was raised during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office amid speculation that the ousted premier, who remains in India, may deliver a public address on 5 August.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the adviser conveyed Bangladesh’s expectation that India would prevent members of banned organisations, including fugitive Hasina, from using its territory to make political statements or carry out activities aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh.
He said such activities could undermine the positive momentum in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The Indian High Commissioner assured the adviser that he would look into the matter, make necessary inquiries and remain vigilant, the statement said.
Speculation over Hasina’s possible address gained traction after reports circulated on social media claiming that she would speak virtually from New Delhi on 5 August.
