Dhaka asks Delhi to block Hasina’s FCC event

Bangladesh has asked India to prevent former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, from making political statements or carrying out political activities from New Delhi.

The foreign ministry said on Monday that Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir made the request during a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi in Dhaka.

The ministry said reports circulating on social media that Hasina could make a public address on Aug 5 were discussed at the meeting.

“Bangladesh expects India’s cooperation to ensure that fugitive Sheikh Hasina or anyone from the banned organisation cannot use Indian territory to make political statements or conduct activities aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh,” it said.

Kobir said, “Such activities could undermine the positive progress in bilateral relations.”

Meanwhile, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has called on India to make its position clear on an event in New Delhi where former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to speak virtually.

Asked about the programme at the foreign ministry on Monday, she said the event could undermine efforts to restore normal bilateral relations.
“Such an arrangement around the president of the Awami League, whose activities are banned in Bangladesh, could undermine efforts to normalise relations between the two countries.”

Asked whether Dhaka would object to her address, Shama said: “Who are we to object to? She is the head of a banned organisation, and a convicted fugitive accused of different crimes. The Bangladesh government does not have the time to respond to whatever she says or does, wherever she says it.”

“But what we are following is that the Indian government recently issued a statement saying it does not expect a fugitive there to make political statements.

“The Indian government does not support that. Whether they support the Awami League holding online meetings or whatever else they do, the Indian government itself must make that clear.”

India’s Position under Scrutiny
She said Dhaka was pursuing a “forward-looking approach” towards India and added, “We do not want that to be harmed, and I deeply believe India does not want that either. So India itself must make clear whether it supports this or not.”

Asked whether Dhaka would formally protest, she said the matter had already been raised repeatedly with India.

If the event is being held in India, a reporter pointed out. Shama replied, “If we consider it necessary, we will contact their foreign ministry.”

Tarique’s India Invitation
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS summit in Delhi in September. Modi had also invited him for a bilateral visit soon after his government took office in February.

Asked whether the Hasina’s Delhi event would affect Dhaka’s decision on accepting the invitation, Shama said: “Time will tell.”

On concerns reportedly raised by the Indian parliamentary committee over Bangladesh’s ties with China, Shama said Bangladesh was a sovereign country and would maintain relations with all countries based on its own interests.

“India, China�"we will maintain communication and relations with everyone. There will be business relations as well as bilateral relations,” she said.�"bdnews24