Dhaka urges Delhi to clarify stance

Dhaka on Monday called on India to clarify whether it supports a planned virtual appearance by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from New Delhi, while stressing that Dhaka remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with its neighbour through a “forward-looking” approach.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh did not want the reported programme involving the deposed premier to undermine ties with India, but reiterated Dhaka’s longstanding position that Indian territory should not be used for political activities by fugitives aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.

“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don’t want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn’t want it either. So, India has to clear whether it is supporting it or not,” Shama Obaed told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her remarks came after Indian media reported that Sheikh Hasina is expected to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after leaving Bangladesh following a mass student-led uprising.

According to multiple reports, she is scheduled to address a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5, the day when Hasina was ousted from Bangladesh.

The State Minister, however, acknowledged that the reported programme was not being organised by the Indian government.

“If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry,” she said when asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi.

Referring to her recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, Shama Obaed said both sides were working to improve bilateral ties.

“You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner who came here. We had a lot of good discussions,” she said, adding, “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that.”

The State Minister said Bangladesh had repeatedly conveyed, both verbally and in writing, that fugitives or convicted individuals should not use Indian soil for political activities intended to destabilise Bangladesh.

She also referred to recent remarks from New Delhi indicating that India did not expect a fugitive facing criminal accusations to make political statements from its territory.

Asked whether such activities could affect relations between the two countries, she replied: “It can. But we don’t want that.”

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting between Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Bangladesh seeks India’s cooperation to prevent Hasina using its territory for political activities.

During the meeting, Humaiun Kobir told the Indian envoy that Bangladesh expected India’s cooperation to prevent Hasina or any individual associated with organisations banned in Bangladesh from using Indian soil for political activities or actions intended to create instability inside Bangladesh.

He said such activities could undermine the positive momentum in bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, according to Foreign Ministry.

In response, High Commissioner Trivedi assured the Bangladeshi side that India would look into the matter, make the necessary enquiries and remain attentive to the issue.

Beyond the Hasina issue, the two sides discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-India relations and other matters of mutual interest.

They expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral ties based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests, while emphasising the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and constructive engagement.

Both sides also agreed that lasting and sustainable solutions to bilateral issues could be achieved through mutual confidence and continued discussions.

Apart from Hasina’s issue, Shama Obaed responded to questions about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Time will tell. I can’t tell you now,” she said, noting that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time.