India Rejects Support for Ousted Bangladeshi Leader’s Delhi Event
India has clearly stated it does not support comments made by Bangladesh’s ousted former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. This statement came after her recent press conference held in New Delhi.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made these remarks on Friday. He spoke during the ministry’s weekly media briefing in New Delhi. Mr. Jaiswal confirmed India does not endorse anything said at the event. He added this especially includes comments about Bangladesh’s duly elected government.
Sheikh Hasina is a convicted former prime minister of Bangladesh. She was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the July uprising. She is currently a fugitive from justice. Hasina joined a press conference via audio call on Wednesday evening. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club South Asia organized the event in New Delhi.
The Bangladesh government formally objected to India before the event. It warned that allowing Hasina to engage in politics from India could harm relations. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had said it had no connection with the event.
Despite Bangladesh’s objection, the program proceeded. Hasina delivered a statement and answered journalists’ questions. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong reaction that night. It said Bangladesh was outraged that Sheikh Hasina was allowed to speak to media. The ministry called it an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty. It was also an insult to those who died in the uprising.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam expressed concern on Thursday. She told journalists that the incident raised questions about future Bangladesh-India relations.
Journalists asked more questions about the issue at Friday’s briefing. Mr. Jaiswal repeated India’s position. He said the Indian government had no role in the event. He stressed it was organized by a private media group. India does not endorse any views expressed there. This includes views on Bangladesh’s government.
During the New Delhi event, Sajeeb Wazed joined virtually from the United States. He is Hasina’s son. Mr. Wazed said Bangladesh was quickly becoming another Pakistan. A journalist asked Mr. Jaiswal if India supported this claim. Mr. Jaiswal replied that India closely watches all events in its neighborhood. India prioritizes national security and takes appropriate steps. He did not say if India agreed with Mr. Wazed’s allegation.
