New Delhi: Bangladesh has sought clarification from India regarding its official position on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s proposed virtual address scheduled for August 5. On Monday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam questioned whether New Delhi supports the Awami League chief’s planned online meeting.
What did Bangladesh say?
Bangladesh has demanded clarification from India regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s expected virtual address on August 5. Dhaka said it wants to move relations with New Delhi forward in a positive direction, but remains concerned about any political activity taking place on Indian soil.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, said on Monday that the Indian government is not organising the proposed online event, but added that since the participants are present in India, New Delhi should clarify its stance.
“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want it damaged, and I firmly believe India doesn’t want it either. So, India has to clarify whether it is supporting it or not,” she said.
When will Sheikh Hasina address?
Sheikh Hasina is expected to address an online event at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in Delhi on August 5. This would be her first major public appearance since her removal from power nearly two years ago following widespread protests that ousted her government and forced her to flee Bangladesh for India.
What did Bangladesh PM say?
The Bangladesh government has expressed hope for cooperation from India so that leaders of the banned Awami League, including Sheikh Hasina, do not use Indian territory for political statements or activities that could threaten to destabilize Bangladesh.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s foreign affairs adviser, Humaiun Kobir, also raised the issue during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday. He expressed his expectation of cooperation from New Delhi in this matter.
What did Bangladesh say about relations?
Shama Obaid said that Bangladesh does not want to harm its relations with India. If necessary, Dhaka could also discuss this issue with New Delhi. She also said that India has previously indicated that it is not in favor of allowing someone facing serious charges in Bangladesh to make political statements from Indian soil. Sheikh Hasina has even been sentenced to death in Bangladesh.
“Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations,” she said.
Meanwhile, no final decision has been made yet on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in the BRICS summit to be held in Delhi in September.
