Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong anger and deep concern after Sheikh Hasina, described in the source as a fugitive in India and sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, was allowed to take part in a live media exchange in New Delhi. In a statement reported on August 6, the ministry said Hasina and her associates made abusive remarks against the Bangladeshi state and its people during the event.

The ministry said Bangladesh had previously conveyed concerns to the Indian government about the event’s possible negative consequences, but permission was still granted. It called the appearance on Indian soil an affront to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and a serious disrespect to those killed in the July Revolution, as the country marked its second anniversary.

The statement said Hasina and her associates were trying unsuccessfully to reverse history by denying killings of unarmed civilians, including children, in July and August 2024. Bangladesh said it has made multiple requests for Hasina’s return under the 2013 Bangladesh-India extradition treaty without receiving a response. It said Dhaka seeks constructive relations with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference and national dignity.