Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its position over Hasina after exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina announced plans to deliver a virtual address from New Delhi, warning that allowing political activities by a fugitive could damage recently improving bilateral relations.

The request marks Dhaka’s first official response to Hasina’s planned appearance at an August 5 event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in New Delhi. The event will coincide with the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that brought an end to her government.

The issue comes as Bangladesh continues its efforts to secure Hasina’s extradition from India, where she has lived since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024. Despite facing multiple legal cases at home, the former prime minister recently told Reuters that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December.

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“We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We do not want that progress to be affected,” Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, told reporters late Monday. She added that India should clearly explain its position on the matter.

According to the FCCSA, Hasina, 78, is expected to address the event via video link alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers. The organisation has not publicly responded to Bangladesh’s concerns.

Islam said Dhaka has repeatedly raised objections with New Delhi over Hasina and other Awami League leaders making political statements while residing in India. She noted that Bangladesh does not want bilateral relations to suffer because of statements made by individuals facing legal proceedings in Bangladesh.

The minister also said India had previously indicated that it did not expect fugitives living on its territory to engage in political activities. While acknowledging that the event is not organised by the Indian government, she said Bangladesh is prepared to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels if required.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.

Relations between the neighbouring countries have remained tense since Hasina’s removal from office following weeks of deadly protests in 2024. However, both governments have recently signalled their intention to rebuild cooperation after the administration led by Tarique Rahman assumed office following February’s elections.

Hasina has remained in India since her government was overthrown. Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition, and in 2025 she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown. According to United Nations estimates, the violence claimed up to 1,400 lives. Hasina has rejected the verdict, describing it as legally invalid.