Bangladesh criticizes India over former PM Hasinas first public speech

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Issues Statement on Sheikh Hasina’s Public Address in India

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has released a statement expressing surprise and shock at the recent public address made by fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi, India. The address, which was her first since being ousted from power in 2024, took place on Friday at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

According to the ministry, over 100,000 people watched the address, which was broadcast online. In her speech, Hasina accused Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, of being a “murderous fascist” and stated that Bangladesh would “never experience free and fair elections” under him.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the event, stating that it constitutes an affront to the people and the Government of Bangladesh. The statement also noted that Hasina openly called for the removal of the interim government and issued incitements to her party loyalists and the general public to carry out acts of terror.

Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its first general election since Hasina’s removal on February 12. Her Awami League party has been banned from participating in the vote after the Election Commission suspended its registration in May. The ministry added that Hasina’s speech set a “dangerous precedent” that could seriously impair bilateral relations with India.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that Bangladesh has requested India to extradite Hasina, but so far, the country has ignored this request.

Source: Al Jazeera