Relations between Bangladesh and India have come under renewed pressure after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a live press conference from New Delhi. The event triggered a strong diplomatic protest from Dhaka, which accused India of allowing political activity from its territory.
Hasina has been living in India since she was removed from power in 2024. During the virtual press conference, she rejected the legitimacy of her ouster and announced that she plans to return to Bangladesh later this year to challenge the current government. She made the remarks on the second anniversary of the July Revolution that ended her rule.
Bangladesh Criticises India Over Hasina's Appearance
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly objected to India's decision to allow Hasina to address the media from New Delhi. The ministry described the move as an "affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh" and said it insulted those who lost their lives during the 2024 uprising.
Dhaka said it had already informed New Delhi about its concerns before the event took place. According to the ministry, allowing Hasina to make political statements from Indian soil could damage ongoing efforts to improve bilateral ties between the two neighbours.
Bangladesh is outraged that the absconding convicted genocider Sheikh Hasina was allowed this evening to engage in live interaction with the media in New Delhi where she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against the State of Bangladesh and her people.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@BDMOFA) August 5, 2026
Dhaka deeply… pic.twitter.com/7BDnAxk5N8
India Distances Itself From the Event
Indian officials maintained that the press conference was not organised or supported by the government. They said a private media association arranged the event independently and that the Indian government neither facilitated nor endorsed it.
India has not changed its official position despite Bangladesh's criticism.
Bangladesh Renews Extradition Demand
Following the press conference, Bangladesh again called for Sheikh Hasina's extradition under the 2013 extradition treaty between the two countries.
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal over crimes against humanity linked to the deadly crackdown on protesters during the final weeks of her government.
Hasina Rejects Charges and Vows to Return
During the live interaction, Hasina rejected claims that the student-led movement reflected the will of the people. Instead, she described it as a planned coup.
She also denied allegations related to the violence during the final months of her government. Hasina said she intends to return to Bangladesh later this year.
Shakib Al Hasan's Ancestral Home Attacked
A few hours after the press conference, attackers targeted the ancestral home of former Bangladesh cricket captain and Awami League leader Shakib Al Hasan in Magura district.
According to the Awami League, the attackers threw a petrol bomb at the house and vandalised the property shortly after Shakib appeared alongside Hasina during the broadcast. Firefighters reached the scene quickly and brought the fire under control. No one was injured, but the house suffered damage.
Police Launch Investigation
The Awami League condemned the attack and called it a politically motivated act of intimidation. Meanwhile, local police confirmed that they have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.