Bangladesh has sought India’s cooperation to ensure that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, or anyone linked to banned organisations, is not allowed to use Indian territory to deliver political speeches or carry out activities aimed at creating instability in Bangladesh.
Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir made the call during a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi at the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, according to a foreign ministry statement.
The call comes amid reports that the convicted former prime minister is expected to join an event virtually on August 5.
Kobir said such activities could undermine the positive progress in Bangladesh-India relations.
In response, Trivedi assured him that the matter would be considered appropriately, saying the Indian side would conduct the necessary inquiries and remain vigilant on the issue.
According to the foreign ministry, the meeting also reviewed various aspects of existing Bangladesh-India relations and other matters of mutual interest.
"They emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and constructive engagement," the statement said, adding that both sides expressed hope that long-term and sustainable solutions to all outstanding issues could be achieved through mutual trust and discussion.
In a Facebook post, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said the discussion focused on enhancing people-centric cooperation between the two neighbouring countries on the basis of mutual interest and benefit.
The high commissioner also reiterated India's intention to work positively with the government of Bangladesh to advance the developmental aspirations of the peoples of both countries.
According to India Today, the August 5 event will be hosted virtually by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi, where Hasina is expected to speak about her future plans and her return to Bangladesh.
The event coincides with the second anniversary of the fall of Hasina’s 16-year rule. On August 5, 2024, student-led protests that grew into a nationwide anti-government movement forced her from office.
Since then, relations between Bangladesh and India have remained strained, although there have been signs of improvement following the formation of the BNP government in February.
Trade restrictions remain in place on both sides, while several key bilateral issues, including water-sharing agreements, remain unresolved amid slow progress in bilateral engagement.
