India Distances Itself From Hasina's Delhi Address, Calls It Private Event

New Delhi: The Indian government on Friday distanced itself from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's address at a private event in Delhi, stating that it does not endorse any comments made there. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued the clarification amid growing diplomatic tension with Dhaka.

"This was a private event. The government of India has no association with it, and we do not endorse the comments made there," an MEA spokesperson said. The statement comes after a video of Hasina's remarks, in which she vowed to return to Dhaka, went viral and triggered sharp reactions across the border.

Hasina's Defiant Message

At the event, Hasina, who has been in exile since her ouster in August last year, addressed a gathering of supporters and media. "I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison… but fear can't decide my duty to the people," she said, in remarks that were widely circulated by Indian news outlets.

She reiterated her commitment to the people of Bangladesh and insisted that her political journey was far from over. Her comments have been interpreted as a direct challenge to the current interim government in Dhaka, led by Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh's Strong Reaction

Dhaka reacted with visible anger to the event. Local media described the Delhi address as an "affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh." The interim government has not yet issued an official statement, but officials were quoted in Bangladeshi newspapers expressing displeasure over the hosting of the event on Indian soil.

The timing is sensitive. Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since Hasina's departure, with Dhaka accusing New Delhi of sheltering the former prime minister and allowing her to use Indian territory for political activities. India has consistently denied these charges.

Political Turmoil in Bangladesh

Meanwhile, inside Bangladesh, the political situation remains fluid. A lawmaker from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reportedly sought a merger with Hasina's Awami League, a move that underscores the fractured nature of the opposition. The proposal has not been officially accepted or rejected by either party.

Hasina's vow to return to Dhaka adds another layer of uncertainty. Her supporters remain active, though the interim government has cracked down on Awami League activities. Analysts say her Delhi address could energise her base, but it also risks further isolating her politically.

The Indian MEA's disavowal is seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions. New Delhi has repeatedly said it wants stable, friendly ties with Bangladesh, but the Hasina factor continues to complicate that objective.

Neither the MEA nor the organisers of the private event have disclosed who funded or arranged the gathering. Questions about the event's logistics remain unanswered.

What to Watch

Observers will be watching Dhaka's official response in the coming days, as well as any movement by Hasina's legal team regarding her possible return. India's position appears clear for now, but the fallout from this private address is likely to reverberate in diplomatic channels for weeks.