Bangladesh has asked India to ensure that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and members of the banned Awami League cannot use Indian territory to make political statements or conduct activities intended to destabilize Bangladesh. Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, conveyed the request to India’s newly appointed high commissioner, Dinesh Trivedi. The issue arose during their courtesy meeting on Monday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The two sides discussed Bangladesh-India bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. Reports circulating on social media that Hasina, who has taken refuge in India, may speak publicly on August 5 were also raised at the meeting. Against that backdrop, Kabir warned that such activities could harm positive progress in bilateral relations.

According to a Foreign Ministry press release, the Indian high commissioner assured Bangladesh that he would give the matter due consideration, make necessary inquiries and remain attentive to it. Both sides expressed hope for strengthening and advancing bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, dialogue and shared interests. They also stressed continuing regular dialogue and constructive engagement.