India denies involvement in ex-Bangladesh PM Hasina’s planned speech

What the report says

India has denied that it is involved in arranging a planned virtual speech by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the event is being handled by a private media organisation. The remarks came from India’s foreign ministry in New Delhi, where Hasina has lived in exile since student-led protests forced her from power in 2024.

According to Al Jazeera, the speech is meant to mark the second anniversary of the uprising that removed Hasina from office. Hasina, who was sentenced to death in 2025 in Bangladesh over her government’s response to the protests, has rejected that ruling. She is expected to appear by video at an event in New Delhi hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia, alongside her son and other speakers.

The issue has added strain to already tense India-Bangladesh relations. Dhaka has asked New Delhi to clarify its position and warned that political activity by Hasina or members of her Awami League could damage bilateral ties. Bangladeshi officials also protested to India’s high commissioner in Dhaka.

Separately, Bangladesh said local media should not broadcast the speech, citing laws that restrict publishing or airing Hasina’s statements. Her party condemned the ban and said the government was trying to silence dissent. The dispute highlights the wider fallout from Hasina’s removal, the ongoing extradition request from Dhaka, and the political sensitivity surrounding her public appearances.