Bangladesh has warned domestic media organisations against publicising a planned virtual address by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is scheduled to speak from India on Wednesday to mark the second anniversary of the uprising that led to her ouster in 2024.

The development has added to diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi, with Bangladesh reiterating its concerns over Hasina’s political activities from Indian soil. India, meanwhile, has said the event is privately organised and that the government has no role in it.

Bangladesh Warns Media Against Coverage

Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Bangladeshi media outlets would violate an existing court order if they announced or broadcast Hasina’s speech.

He referred to a December 2024 directive issued by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal prohibiting media organisations and social media platforms from publishing or broadcasting Hasina’s speeches, statements, interviews and audio or video messages.

Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh after student-led protests toppled her government in 2024.

In 2025, she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity over the crackdown on the demonstrations. Hasina has rejected the verdict, describing it as legally invalid.

Hasina to Address Event From New Delhi

The 78-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to make her first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh through a video address at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi.

She will be joined by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other speakers during the programme.

Her aides have not disclosed the contents of her address.

However, Hasina told Reuters last month that she and senior members of her Awami League party intend to return to Bangladesh around December and surrender before the courts.

Such a move would test how Bangladesh’s current administration responds to its most prominent political rival.

India Says Event Is Privately Organised

Bangladesh had sought clarification from New Delhi regarding Hasina’s planned address, warning that permitting political activities by a fugitive could adversely affect improving bilateral relations.

Responding to the issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the programme was being organised by a private media body.

“The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum,” Jaiswal said during a regular media briefing.

Dhaka Continues Extradition Efforts

Hasina aide Abu Obaidha Arin confirmed that the event would proceed despite Dhaka’s objections.

He said Bangladesh’s “efforts to silence dissent cannot extinguish voices” beyond the country’s borders.

Bangladesh continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India, a request that remains unresolved.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to New Delhi regarding political statements made by Hasina and other Awami League leaders while residing in India.

Bilateral Ties Remain Delicate

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained strained since Hasina’s removal from office in 2024.

However, both governments have recently indicated a willingness to improve ties following the formation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government after Bangladesh’s February elections.

The latest dispute over Hasina’s planned address highlights the continuing sensitivities surrounding her exile and the broader political relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

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