Dhaka/New Delhi: Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has strongly objected to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s public address in New Delhi, describing it as “shocking” and a serious provocation that could damage bilateral relations with India.
The sharp reaction came after Sheikh Hasina, chief of the Awami League, delivered her first public address since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 following a student-led uprising. Speaking at a press event in New Delhi on January 23, Hasina launched a scathing attack on the Yunus-led interim administration, calling it authoritarian and accusing it of pushing Bangladesh into chaos and lawlessness.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The government and people of Bangladesh are stunned that a fugitive leader, convicted by Bangladeshi courts and sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, was allowed to speak at a public event in New Delhi.”
‘An Insult to Bangladesh’
The ministry said allowing Hasina to address a public gathering in India set a “dangerous precedent” and amounted to a direct insult to the Bangladeshi state and its people.
“Granting her a platform to deliver inflammatory speeches in the Indian capital risks seriously undermining bilateral relations,” the statement said. “Such actions openly disrespect the democratic transition currently underway in Bangladesh.”
Dhaka also expressed disappointment that India has not acted on Bangladesh’s request under the bilateral extradition treaty. “Instead of handing Sheikh Hasina over to face justice, India has permitted her to issue provocative statements that threaten Bangladesh’s peace, security, and democratic process,” the ministry added.
Hasina’s Allegations Against Yunus
Addressing members of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia via an audio message, Sheikh Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus of leading Bangladesh towards “terror, anarchy, and jungle rule.” She described the current period as the “darkest chapter” in the country’s history, alleging that Bangladesh, once peaceful and prosperous, is now gripped by violence and fear following what she termed the “August 2024 conspiracy.”
Hasina also raised serious concerns about the general elections scheduled for February 12. The 78-year-old leader warned that if the Awami League is barred from contesting the polls, the elections would lack legitimacy.
“An election without the participation of a major political force like the Awami League will have no meaning,” she said, cautioning that such a move would plunge the country into deeper political instability.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The episode has further strained ties between Dhaka and New Delhi at a sensitive moment, as Bangladesh prepares for crucial national elections amid political unrest. While India has not yet officially responded to Dhaka’s protest, the controversy has added a new layer of tension to regional diplomacy.
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