Dhaka has expressed disappointment over Delhi’s continued decision to allow convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make political statements about Bangladesh from Indian soil but insists the issue should not derail broader bilateral engagement with New Delhi.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining a constructive relationship with India, while urging New Delhi to clarify the kind of ties it wants to build with Dhaka.
Her remarks came after Hasina virtually addressed an event in New Delhi, where she made political remarks about Bangladesh and the BNP-led government. Ahead of the programme, Dhaka had urged Delhi not to allow the deposed prime minister to participate, warning that such activities could undermine bilateral relations.
Although the Indian government distanced itself from the event, it did not prevent her participation.
Following the programme, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement expressing concern.
“The government has explained its position to India as clearly as possible through diplomatic channels,” Shama said.
“We have repeatedly said that India needs to make its position clear regarding the kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh.”
She said allowing a convicted individual to engage in political activities targeting Bangladesh from Indian territory naturally raises concerns in Dhaka.
“When a convicted criminal sits on Indian soil and makes such statements, and the Indian government allows it, it naturally raises concerns among the government and the people of Bangladesh about the future of our bilateral relationship,” she said.
The state minister described Hasina as an emotionally sensitive issue for many Bangladeshis, particularly those affected by the July uprising.
“Hasina is a painful issue for the July fighters, their families and the people who sacrificed their lives and shed blood. India needs to be more sensitive to these sentiments and make prudent decisions,” she said.
She added that, as a democratic country, India must decide the direction of its own foreign policy towards Bangladesh.
Despite its concerns, Bangladesh remains interested in strengthening cooperation with India across a range of bilateral issues, Shama said.
“I believe both governments and the people of Bangladesh and India want better relations,” she said.
“However, if Awami League leaders and activists, including its convicted leader, continue to engage in activities from Indian soil that Bangladesh considers conspiratorial, and the Indian government does not stop them, it will inevitably create concern among the people of Bangladesh.”
She stressed that the two neighbours have numerous outstanding issues that require dialogue and sustained engagement.
“There are many issues that can only be resolved through discussions, meetings and dialogue. We certainly want to engage with India. But India must first decide whether it will continue to allow Awami League leaders who have taken refuge on its soil to make political statements against Bangladesh,” she said.
Responding to a question about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to India for the Brics Summit, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh is keen to participate in multilateral forums and values its role as the current chair of Bimstec.
She said, however, that the prime minister’s participation would ultimately depend on his schedule.
“Bangladesh is certainly interested in participating in multilateral forums. Whether the prime minister attends the Brics Summit will depend on his schedule, and the final decision will be taken by him,” she said.
Her remarks came as Bangladesh and India continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations despite persistent political irritants, with both sides acknowledging the need to maintain dialogue and expand cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently said Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was invited to attend the outreach session of the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi in his capacity as the current chair of Bimstec.
“As far as the Brics Summit is concerned, India has separately extended an invitation to the Bangladesh PM in his capacity as the current Chair of Bimstec to attend the outreach session of the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi. The invitation has been extended as per the standard practice being followed in Brics for the outreach sessions. Other heads of regional groups have also been invited in a similar manner,” he said.
