MEA distances itself from Hasina's remarks at private event, says no government role

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday clarified that it had no role in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's interaction at a private media event in New Delhi, and that the government did not endorse her remarks. The clarification came after Bangladesh's foreign ministry issued a strongly worded statement criticising the event, describing Hasina as a “convicted mass murderer” and calling her presence on Indian soil an affront to the country's sovereignty.

Responding to queries, an MEA spokesperson said the event was a private affair, not organised by the government. “The Government of India has no role in the event. The remarks made by the former Prime Minister are her personal views and do not reflect the position of the Government of India,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also emphasised that India continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and is committed to a constructive partnership.

Bangladesh's foreign ministry had earlier issued a statement expressing deep concern over the interaction, which it said took place in India, and described Hasina's remarks as an affront to the sovereignty and dignity of Bangladesh. The statement referred to the legal proceedings against Hasina in Bangladesh, where she faces charges related to her role in the crackdown on protests in 2024. The ministry also reiterated its demand for her extradition to face justice in accordance with Bangladeshi law.

Hasina, who has been living in India since her ouster in August 2024, has not publicly appeared at official events, but has occasionally interacted with the media and supporters. Her presence has been a sensitive issue in India-Bangladesh relations. The interim government in Dhaka, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has frequently raised the issue of Hasina's stay in India and alleged that she is plotting to destabilise Bangladesh. India, for its part, has maintained that Hasina's stay is temporary and has avoided commenting on her political activities.

Diplomatic observers note that the MEA's careful distancing reflects India's attempt to balance its strategic ties with Bangladesh while not being seen as endorsing Hasina's statements. At the same time, India has not publicly criticised Hasina, given her long-standing friendly relations with successive Indian governments. The incident underscores the delicate diplomatic tightrope India walks in its neighbourhood policy.

The MEA's statement is also significant as it comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over alleged border incidents and the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. India has consistently called for a peaceful and inclusive environment in Bangladesh, while Dhaka has accused Indian media of spreading misinformation. The latest exchange adds another layer to the complexities of the bilateral relationship.

Analysts say that while the MEA has officially distanced itself, the event itself and the subsequent reactions highlight the lingering challenges in India-Bangladesh relations since the regime change in Bangladesh. The immediate focus now will be on whether this incident further strains the diplomatic channels or leads to a clearer understanding between the two governments on the issue of Hasina's presence in India.