India Disavows Sheikh Hasina's Remarks as Bangladesh Warns of Diplomatic Strain

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that it does not endorse remarks made by ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a recent press conference in Delhi. The Indian government clarified that the event was organized by a private media entity and that New Delhi had no role in its execution. This statement follows a sharp reaction from the Bangladeshi government, which expressed outrage that Hasina was allowed to speak and warned that such events are detrimental to bilateral relations.

During the virtual press conference, Hasina expressed her determination to return to Bangladesh in December to put the country on the right track, despite facing a death sentence for crimes against humanity and a 10 year prison sentence in corruption cases. She demanded the release of political prisoners and the lifting of the ban on her party, the Awami League. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed, also participated virtually, claiming that Bangladesh could become another Pakistan and alleging that the current government has given the Pakistani intelligence agency a free hand in the country.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that allowing Hasina to make political statements from India contradicts India's wishes to maintain friendly ties. He argued that relations must be based on mutual dignity, sovereignty, and equality, asserting that Bangladesh will never become a client state. Salahuddin rejected comparisons between Hasina's presence in India and the political activities of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in London, citing the difference between fighting for democracy and being a fascist.

While the center leaning source focuses on the internal Bangladeshi political reaction and the Home Minister's specific criticisms of India's perceived contradictions, the left leaning source emphasizes the official diplomatic exchange and the specific claims made by Hasina and her son regarding the current state of Bangladesh.