Dhaka blasts Delhi over Hasina press conference, says ties hurt

Bangladesh has strongly criticised India for allowing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the media from New Delhi, describing the move as detrimental to bilateral relations. The interim government in Dhaka also reiterated that its repeated requests for Hasina's extradition have gone unanswered, signalling a fresh low in ties between the two neighbours.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep displeasure over Hasina's press conference, which took place on Tuesday. “Such activity from Indian soil undermines the spirit of mutual respect and non-interference,” the statement said, adding that it was “harmful to the bilateral relationship.”

Hasina, who has been living in New Delhi since August 2024 after stepping down as prime minister amid widespread protests, used the press conference to call for elections in Bangladesh under United Nations supervision. She also alleged that the current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, was not committed to holding free and fair polls.

The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry responded sharply, saying that Hasina's remarks were “fabricated and self-serving.” It further noted that Dhaka had submitted formal extradition requests to India for Hasina, who faces multiple criminal charges in Bangladeshi courts, including charges of corruption and crimes against humanity. “We expect the Indian government to respect international legal obligations and respond to our requests,” the statement added.

India has not officially commented on the extradition requests or the press conference. However, New Delhi has traditionally maintained that it provides asylum to individuals based on humanitarian grounds and does not comment on individual cases. Indian officials have in the past indicated that any decision on Hasina would be made based on diplomatic and legal considerations, but they have not elaborated further.

The diplomatic friction comes at a time when India-Bangladesh relations have already been under strain since the change of government in Dhaka. Several incidents, including attacks on minorities and the arrest of a Hindu monk, have led to concerns in India about the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Conversely, Dhaka has accused India of harbouring what it calls “anti-Bangladesh elements” and interfering in its internal affairs.

Regional security analysts say the current standoff is one of the most serious between the two countries since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. They point out that India and Bangladesh share a 4,096-km border and have deep economic and cultural ties, making sustained cooperation essential. Trade between the two countries is estimated at over $15 billion annually, and Bangladesh is a key partner in India's “Neighbourhood First” policy.

The unresolved question of Hasina's presence in India continues to be a sore point. While Dhaka insists that she must face justice in Bangladesh, India has not publicly indicated whether it will extradite her. Legal experts note that India does not have an extradition treaty with Bangladesh, though both countries are signatories to the Commonwealth Extradition Scheme, which could be used as a basis for cooperation.

Observers say that the longer the issue remains unresolved, the greater the risk of further deterioration in diplomatic relations. A prolonged rift could affect cooperation on security, trade, and river-sharing agreements, all of which require regular dialogue and mutual trust.

The Bangladeshi statement concluded with an appeal to India to “refrain from actions that could be construed as supporting individuals who face serious legal charges in their own country.” It expressed hope that India would act in the spirit of the friendship that has historically defined the relationship between the two nations.

As of now, no official response has been issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian government is likely to assess the fallout before making any public statement, keeping in mind both domestic sensibilities and the strategic importance of its eastern neighbour.