‘We Don’t Want to Spoil Ties With India’: Bangladesh Welcomes New Delhi’s Clarification as Sheikh Hasina Event Sparks Buzz

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with India, even as a proposed public event featuring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi generated political attention in both countries.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed stressed that Dhaka wants to preserve its long-standing ties with New Delhi and hopes the relationship remains unaffected by the controversy surrounding the event.

Her remarks came shortly after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the Indian government has no connection with the programme, which is being organised by a private media organisation.

‘We Want Good Relations With India’

Addressing the media, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh has no intention of allowing the issue to impact bilateral relations.

She emphasised that Dhaka values its relationship with India and expressed hope that both countries would continue working together with a forward-looking approach.

Obaed also acknowledged India’s clarification, noting that New Delhi had clearly stated it was not associated with the proposed event.

India Says Government Has ‘No Involvement’

Earlier in the day, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed questions regarding the event scheduled to take place in New Delhi on August 5.

He clarified that the programme is being organised by a private media entity and has no connection with the Government of India.

Jaiswal also stated that the government neither has any involvement in the event nor endorses any views that may be expressed during the programme, effectively distancing the Centre from the gathering.

The clarification came after Bangladesh sought New Delhi’s official position on the matter.

Sheikh Hasina Set for First Public Appearance Since 2024

The event has attracted widespread attention because it will mark the first public appearance of Sheikh Hasina since the collapse of the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) government in August 2024.

Hasina has been living in New Delhi since leaving Bangladesh following widespread student-led protests that led to the end of her government’s tenure.

She is expected to participate virtually in the event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, where organisers say she will outline her vision for Bangladesh and announce her future political plans.

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Awami League Leaders Also Expected to Participate

Apart from Sheikh Hasina, the programme is expected to feature an address by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy along with several senior leaders of the Awami League, including former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel.

The gathering is scheduled to take place at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium in New Delhi.

Focus Remains on India-Bangladesh Relations

Despite the political significance of the event, both governments have signalled their intention to prevent it from affecting broader diplomatic ties.

Bangladesh has underlined its desire to continue strengthening cooperation with India, while New Delhi has made it clear that the event is a private initiative without any official backing.

With bilateral relations playing a crucial role in regional cooperation, trade and connectivity, both sides appear keen to ensure that the issue remains limited to a non-governmental platform rather than becoming a diplomatic dispute.