Bangladesh warns media over Sheikh Hasina’s planned speech from India

Bangladesh has warned domestic media not to publicise a planned virtual address by exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is set to speak from India on Wednesday to mark the second anniversary of the uprising that ousted her government.

Hasina, 78, has lived in India since fleeing Bangladesh after student-led protests toppled her administration in 2024. Convicted in absentia and sentenced to death in 2025 for crimes against humanity over her government’s crackdown on protesters, she has dismissed the verdict as legally invalid.

The speech, to be delivered via video link at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, will mark Hasina’s first public appearance since leaving Dhaka. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is also expected to participate.

Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said broadcasting or promoting the speech would violate a December 2024 order by the International Crimes Tribunal banning the publication of Hasina’s speeches, interviews and messages.

Hasina aide Abu Obaidha Arin said the event would proceed, arguing that Bangladesh’s attempts to silence dissent could not extend beyond its borders.

Dhaka had sought clarification from New Delhi over the event, warning that allowing political activities by a fugitive could affect improving bilateral ties. India, however, distanced itself from the programme, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that it was organised by a private media body and that the government had “no involvement whatsoever.”

The latest dispute comes as Bangladesh continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India. Although relations have remained strained since her ouster, both countries have recently signalled interest in improving ties under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government.