Dhaka has formally asked India to prevent former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making political speeches on Indian soil. The request follows a planned public address in New Delhi on August 5, with Bangladesh citing concerns over regional stability. India has confirmed it will examine the request.
The government of Bangladesh has submitted a formal request to India, seeking to restrict former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from engaging in political activities or delivering public speeches while residing in the country. This diplomatic move arrives just days before a scheduled address by Hasina at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi, set for August 5, 2026.
During a recent meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir conveyed these concerns to Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi. The core of the request focuses on the potential for political statements made from abroad to influence internal stability in Bangladesh. Officials from Dhaka expressed apprehension that such activities could negatively impact the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The request specifically highlighted concerns regarding the involvement of individuals linked to organisations currently banned within Bangladesh.
In response to the formal communication, the Indian High Commission stated that it would review the matter through appropriate channels and conduct necessary inquiries. The Indian side reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable relations and supporting the developmental goals of its neighbour.
Sheikh Hasina has been based in India since August 2024, following the end of her 15-year tenure as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her administration collapsed following widespread student-led protests that eventually led to her departure from the country. This upcoming event is significant as it marks the second anniversary of those political changes. Hasina, who faces legal challenges in her home country including a death sentence issued in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity, has previously voiced her intention to return to Bangladesh before the end of the year. Investors and observers remain attentive to these geopolitical developments, as bilateral stability often influences regional trade, logistics, and cross-border economic cooperation between the two nations. The next important update will be the official response or action taken by Indian authorities regarding the scheduled August 5 event.