Dhaka Expresses Shock Over Hasina’s Public Address
Bangladesh has strongly criticised India for allowing fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to deliver a public speech in New Delhi. Dhaka said it was surprised and shocked by the decision. The reaction came through an official statement issued on Sunday by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry.
Sheikh Hasina, aged 78, fled to India in August 2024. Her departure followed a massive student-led uprising in Bangladesh. The protests ended her 15-year rule, which critics described as authoritarian and repressive. Since then, Hasina has remained in India.
On Friday, Hasina made her first public address since fleeing Bangladesh. The speech was delivered through an audio message. It was played to a packed press club audience in New Delhi. The event was also broadcast online and viewed by more than 100,000 people.
Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said allowing the event in India’s capital was unacceptable. It called the move an affront to the Bangladeshi people. Officials said it undermined the sentiments of a nation that suffered under Hasina’s rule.
Conviction and Strong Language from Bangladesh
Sheikh Hasina was convicted in absentia by a Dhaka court in November. The court found her guilty of incitement and issuing orders to kill. She was also convicted for failing to prevent atrocities during her time in power. The court sentenced her to death by hanging.
The foreign ministry statement referred to Hasina as a mass murderer. It accused her of delivering what it called a hate speech. Dhaka said India’s decision to allow the speech sent a dangerous signal.
The statement warned that such actions could seriously damage bilateral relations. Bangladesh said allowing a convicted fugitive to speak publicly set a dangerous precedent. Officials stressed that this could encourage impunity for serious crimes.
The ministry said the issue was not only political but moral. It added that the people of Bangladesh expected respect for their judicial process. The statement urged India to reconsider its position.
Political Tensions Ahead of Key Elections
Bangladesh is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 12. Voters will choose new leaders after months of political turmoil. The interim government took charge following Hasina’s removal.
In her audio address, Hasina criticised the interim administration. She claimed Bangladesh would never see free and fair elections under interim leader Muhammad Yunus. Her comments sparked outrage in Dhaka.
Bangladesh officials said the timing of the speech was highly sensitive. They said it risked influencing public opinion ahead of elections. Authorities warned that such interference could destabilise the fragile political situation.
Dhaka has formally requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina. The request remains unanswered. New Delhi has not issued an official response so far.
Analysts say the issue could strain Bangladesh-India relations further. Diplomatic ties have already faced pressure since Hasina’s departure. Observers warn that continued silence from India may deepen mistrust.
Bangladesh reiterated its demand for accountability. Officials said justice for past crimes remains a priority. They added that regional stability depends on respecting sovereignty and legal decisions.
