Bangladesh media asked not to cover Hasina's speech from exile

Bangladesh has issued a warning to its media outlets against covering a planned virtual speech by exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled to take place in New Delhi. The directive came Tuesday as part of efforts to prevent the dissemination of statements from the fugitive leader ahead of her anticipated address marking the second anniversary of the July 2024 uprising that led to her ouster. Hasina, who has been living in India since the student-led protests forced her government from power, is set to make her first public appearance via video link since fleeing Dhaka. The event will be hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi and will feature her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, along with other speakers. Details of her speech remain undisclosed, although she previously told international media that she and her party intend to return from exile around December to appear in court, a move that could challenge the new Bangladeshi government’s approach toward handling her. India has denied any involvement in the event, stating that it is being organized by a private media entity. In response to Bangladesh’s concerns, the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized that the government has no role in the forum and does not support any views expressed there. This clarification follows Bangladesh’s recent request for clarity on whether India would allow political activity by a fugitive, fearing it might impact bilateral relations. Bangladesh’s Information Adviser, Zahed Ur Rahman, issued a formal warning to media outlets and social media platforms, citing a December 2024 order by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal. The order prohibits the publication or broadcast of speeches, statements, interviews, or audio/video messages by Hasina. Her aide, Abu Obaidha Arin, countered this by asserting that the event would proceed, arguing that Dhaka’s attempts to suppress dissent cannot silence voices outside the country. The situation adds to the growing tensions between Bangladesh and India, particularly as Dhaka continues to seek Hasina’s extradition from India. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam noted that Bangladesh has consistently raised concerns regarding Hasina and other Awami League leaders engaging in political discourse from Indian territory. These discussions come amid ongoing efforts to mend relations between the two nations, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who assumed office following February’s elections. Relations between Bangladesh and India have been strained since Hasina’s removal from power, yet both countries have shown signs of seeking improved diplomatic ties. However, the current dispute highlights the complexities of managing cross-border political dynamics, especially when one nation seeks to hold a high-profile figure accountable while another hosts them. As the planned event approaches, the outcome could further shape the evolving relationship between the two neighboring states.