DNN Intel: Bangladesh seeks India’s stand on Sheikh Hasina’s planned media appearance
Bangladesh has sought clarification from India over its position on deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s planned press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday, coinciding with the second anniversary of her government’s ouster, a minister here said on Monday. Addressing a media briefing, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam also said that Hasina’s public political activities from Indian territory could have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries. According to some media reports, Hasina, 78, is expected to join a private event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) virtually on August 5 in New Delhi. Hasina’s US-based son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, and Bangladesh Human Rights Watch general secretary Mahammad Ali Siddique are among those who would join the event. “Bangladesh wants India to make its position clear on the matter,” Shama said, adding that Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations. She said political activities by “fugitives from India who seek to create instability in Bangladesh” could affect bilateral ties while Dhaka repeatedly conveyed its position that “fugitives or convicted individuals” should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that,” she said. Separately, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs adviser Humayun Kabir said Hasina’s planned public address from Indian soil could undermine “positive momentum in bilateral relations”, state-run BSS news agency reported.
Key Takeaways
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