Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders questioned India’s role after ousted former prime minister Hasina addressed a New Delhi press conference by audio link on 5 August. The event was organised by the South Asia Foreign Correspondents Club, where Hasina spoke and answered journalists’ questions. BNP standing committee member and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said India had allowed Hasina, who is living there after her removal in the July 2024 mass uprising, to engage in political activity concerning Bangladesh and speak directly to the media.

At the conference, Hasina did not directly answer a question on whether she would express regret or apologise for killings during the July movement. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who joined virtually, said one side had been granted impunity and argued that the other side should have the same right. Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that Awami League leaders had shown no remorse.

Hasina called for the ban on Awami League activities to be lifted. Salahuddin said allegations of crimes against humanity against the party were being investigated and the government would act according to court decisions. India said the event was privately organised and that it did not endorse statements made there, but BNP government sources questioned that explanation.