Bangladesh has formally urged India to prevent deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina from making political speeches from Indian territory. Dhaka’s foreign ministry warned that such statements could destabilise bilateral relations.

The matter was raised during a meeting between India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Dhaka, Dinesh Trivedi, and Humaiun Kobir, the Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Trivedi had paid a courtesy call on Kobir, during which both sides discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. They expressed optimism about strengthening ties based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests, according to a press release from the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry.

The meeting also addressed reports circulating on social media that fugitive Sheikh Hasina might make a public statement on 5 August. The Foreign Affairs Adviser informed the High Commissioner that Bangladesh expects India’s cooperation to ensure that no individual associated with banned organisations, including Sheikh Hasina, can use Indian territory to make political statements or engage in destabilising activities.

Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and constructive engagement. They expressed hope that long-term and sustainable solutions to outstanding issues could be achieved through mutual trust and discussion.

This development comes against the backdrop of Dhaka’s earlier request for Hasina’s extradition. On 17 July this year, India stated that the request was under examination, given the legalities and judicial processes involved.

In November 2025, the Bangladesh interim government had written to India’s Ministry of External Affairs seeking her extradition. The demand was reiterated during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s visit to India in April 2026, when Dhaka also sought the extradition of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

Last month, Sheikh Hasina announced that she, along with other exiled Awami League leaders, intends to return to Bangladesh voluntarily around December 2026. She acknowledged the stark prospect of arrest or death upon her arrival. Hasina fled to India on 5 August 2024 after massive student-led protests forced her resignation.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal had sentenced her to death after convicting her of crimes against humanity. The charges were linked to the state crackdown on the 2024 student-led demonstrations that toppled her Awami League government.

The tribunal held her accountable for ordering or failing to prevent the fatalities of demonstrators during the unrest. Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was also sentenced to death in the same verdict, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun received a five-year prison term. The tribunal additionally ordered the confiscation of properties belonging to Hasina and Kamal.

The latest appeal by Dhaka underscores the sensitivity of Hasina’s continued presence in India and the potential implications of her political activities. It highlights the delicate balance India must maintain between respecting judicial processes, managing bilateral relations, and addressing Bangladesh’s security concerns.

ANI