ON
← Back to feed
Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi event hurt ties with India, Bangladesh ‘won’t be a client state’, says Dhaka
India🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive17 days ago

Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi event hurt ties with India, Bangladesh ‘won’t be a client state’, says Dhaka

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media event in Delhi, stating it harmed bilateral relations with India. Dhaka emphasized that Bangladesh will not become a 'client state' and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a sovereign, equal partnership with India. Hasina, who fled to Delhi in August 2024 after facing widespread protests, claimed she intends to return to Bangladesh in December to restore democracy, despite potential risks like imprisonment or execution. During her virtual press conference, she called for the lifting of the ban on her party, the Awami League, and the release of political prisoners. Dhaka accused Hasina of denying UN findings that her government was responsible for civilian deaths during the 2024 unrest. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it was not involved in organizing the event, which was hosted by a private media entity.

Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, announced on August 5, 2026, that she intends to return to her homeland before the end of the year, despite facing a death sentence and multiple criminal charges in her absence. The declaration came during a virtual press conference hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, marking her first public appearance since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024 amid widespread protests that ended her 15-year tenure. Joining her were her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and senior leaders of the Awami League, the political party she founded and led. The event underscored the deepening tensions between Bangladesh and India, particularly as the former prime minister criticized the current government in Dhaka and reiterated her commitment to returning to a country she claims is in turmoil. Hasina, 78, spoke passionately about her decision to return, emphasizing that it was not driven by a desire for power but by a sense of duty to the people of Bangladesh. “I may be sent to prison or be killed, but fear cannot decide my duty to the people,” she said. She vowed to return by December, though she did not specify the exact date, stating it would be revealed “when the time comes.” Hasina argued that her return is essential to restore stability, security, and economic progress to Bangladesh, which she claims has regressed under the current administration. Her comments came amid growing controversy in Bangladesh, where the government has condemned the press conference as damaging to bilateral relations with India. The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret that the event occurred, noting that it contradicted efforts to reset diplomatic ties with New Delhi. Officials in Dhaka emphasized that Bangladesh will not become a “client state” and stressed the need for sovereign equality and non-interference in domestic matters. The ministry also accused Hasina of attempting to rewrite history by denying the findings of the United Nations regarding civilian deaths during the 2024 unrest. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not officially commented on the situation, but earlier statements suggested that the press conference was organized independently by a private entity and that the Indian government was not directly involved. Despite this, reports indicate that Hasina has been treated with high-level security and respect during her time in India, with her son describing her treatment as “like a head of state.” Hasina defended her previous government’s actions during the 2024 protests, accusing organized groups of exploiting student grievances to orchestrate a violent coup. She cited remarks by Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, to argue that the movement was not spontaneous but carefully planned. “Muhammad Yunus himself said this was a meticulously designed movement, led by a mastermind,” she said. She also criticized the current government for abandoning a judicial inquiry into the deaths that occurred during the unrest, which her administration had initiated in July 2024. The former prime minister also raised concerns about the state of Bangladesh’s economy under the present administration, alleging that GDP growth has slowed, industrial output has declined, and poverty levels have risen. She accused the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government of running the country by borrowing heavily from the central bank. These claims align with broader criticisms from within the Awami League, which has been banned from participating in elections and faces restrictions on political activity. Hasina’s return to Bangladesh is seen as critical for the survival of the Awami League, the party that played a pivotal role in the 1971 war for independence. Her supporters view her as the rightful leader of the nation, and her return is framed as both a political and historical necessity. However, the path ahead remains uncertain, with potential risks ranging from legal prosecution to physical danger. Despite these threats, Hasina remains resolute, declaring that her return is not about personal safety but about fulfilling her duty to the people of Bangladesh.

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

6 reports

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7517 days ago
Is Sheikh Hasina's presser in Delhi a setback to Bangladesh-India patch-up?

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced her intention to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year, despite facing a death sentence and criminal charges in absentia. Hasina made these comments during a virtual press conference in Delhi, where she criticized the 2024 uprising that forced her out of office, calling it an organized effort by political groups rather than a spontaneous student protest. She denied claims that her government failed to address the unrest and emphasized her commitment to returning to Bangladesh to restore stability and development. Hasina also cited statements from former interim leader Muhammad Yunus to support her argument that the movement was orchestrated.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Hasina's statements and perspectives without overtly favoring one side. It includes her claims and counterclaims regarding the nature of the 2024 uprising and her government's actions, providing a balanced account of her position without evident ideological bias.

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about Hasina's statement, her son's presence, and the event organizer. These align with the cross-source consensus that she is planning to return to Bangladesh. However, some details like the exact nature of the charges and the timeline of events are not fully e

Why objectivity (75): The article presents Hasina's perspective without significant bias but uses emotive language such as 'fear cannot decide my duty to the people,' which slightly skews the tone toward her viewpoint rather than maintaining strict neutrality.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7518 days ago
Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh, says she may be detained or jailed but 'fear can't decide my duty'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has vowed to return to her country despite potential risks, stating that fear cannot dictate her duties. The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions and uncertainty regarding her safety. The article notes that this is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Published by Sonali Verma on August 5, 2026.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Sheikh Hasina's personal commitment to returning to Bangladesh without overtly criticizing or praising her stance. It focuses on her expressed determination rather than taking a clear ideological position. There is no evident slant toward any particular political faction, making

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Sheikh Hasina's statement about her intention to return to Bangladesh despite potential detention or imprisonment. The claim that 'fear can't decide my duty' is directly attributed to her. However, the lack of additional context or corroboration from other sources slig

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the information in a relatively neutral manner, quoting Hasina's words without overt bias. However, the headline and the phrasing 'fear can't decide my duty' may imply a certain perspective or emotional undertone, suggesting resilience rather than presenting purely factual infor

Scroll.in logoScroll.inIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 6517 days ago
Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi event hurt ties with India, Bangladesh ‘won’t be a client state’, says Dhaka

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed outrage over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media event in Delhi, stating it harmed bilateral relations with India. Dhaka emphasized that Bangladesh will not become a 'client state' and reiterated its commitment to maintaining a sovereign, equal partnership with India. Hasina, who fled to Delhi in August 2024 after facing widespread protests, claimed she intends to return to Bangladesh in December to restore democracy, despite potential risks like imprisonment or execution. During her virtual press conference, she called for the lifting of the ban on her party, the Awami League, and the release of political prisoners. Dhaka accused Hasina of denying UN findings that her government was responsible for civilian deaths during the 2024 unrest. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it was not involved in organizing the event, which was hosted by a private media entity.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, Bangladesh's criticism of the event and Hasina's defense of her actions, without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the Bangladeshi government and Hasina, providing balanced coverage of the situation.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports statements from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding their outrage over Sheikh Hasina's event in Delhi. It includes direct quotes and aligns with other sources indicating Bangladesh's concerns about bilateral relations. However, some details like the exac

Why objectivity (65): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'outraged', 'dark days of fascism', and 'client state', which suggests a biased perspective favoring Bangladesh's position. The tone is clearly critical of India's actions and supportive of Bangladesh's stance.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 7018 days ago
Live: Want to return in December, our victory month; will reveal date in due time says Sheikh Hasina

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed a public event in New Delhi, marking her first appearance since being ousted from power in August 2024. During the event organized by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia, Hasina discussed the alleged conspiracy against her government, criticized the economic situation in Bangladesh, and reiterated her determination to return to the country. Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, praised India's treatment of her as 'like a head of state.' Former Awami League leader Shakib Al Hasan joined the event, while a Bangladeshi journalist questioned Hasina about her plans to return, referencing speculation about a potential December return. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has reportedly restricted media coverage of her speeches.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh as a matter of national importance and moral duty, emphasizing her resilience and commitment to her people. It highlights her criticisms of the current government and the economic crisis, which aligns with left-leaning narratives. The focus on

Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes the event and Hasina's intentions to return to Bangladesh. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the timing and context of her return. However, it lacks detailed information on the political implications of her return.

Why objectivity (70): The article maintains a neutral tone overall but includes phrases like 'Bangladesh had become another Pakistan,' which introduces a subjective comparison that might influence reader perception.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 6518 days ago
'Illegal Yunus govt gave immunity to killers': Hasina says Aug 5 revolt was to grab power

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina claims that organized groups hijacked the 2024 student protests and transformed them into tools for violent political agitation. She stated that these groups aimed to create a path to power outside the ballot box. Hasina emphasized that her government attempted to address the protests through peaceful dialogue from the start. She accused Muhammad Yunus of acknowledging the movement as a meticulously planned effort led by a mastermind. Hasina fled Bangladesh in August 2024 and has since been living in India. She faces a death sentence in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide related to the 2024 crackdown, while her party, the Awami League, has been banned. The interim government, led by Yunus, was formed three days after her departure.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Hasina's perspective on the 2024 protests and her government's actions, including her accusations against organized groups and Muhammad Yunus. While the content reflects her viewpoint, it does not exhibit clear bias toward one side, providing her statements without overtly favor

Why factuality (80): The article accurately reports Hasina's claims about the August 2024 protests being organized to gain power outside the ballot box. This aligns with the cross-source consensus, although the article leans on Hasina's narrative without providing counterpoints.

Why objectivity (65): The article clearly favors Hasina's perspective, quoting her extensively and attributing statements to Muhammad Yunus without balancing with opposing viewpoints. This creates a biased portrayal of the situation.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 7018 days ago
Hasina's Bangladesh return: How it will unfold is unknown, how it will end is known

This article discusses Sheikh Hasina's potential return to Bangladesh after nearly four decades of exile in India. It highlights the historical significance of her return, linking it to the legacy of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the 1971 independence movement. The piece describes her abrupt departure from Bangladesh in 2024 amid violent protests, where she was forced to flee without saying goodbye to her people. It notes that her return could revive the Awami League, which is seen as embodying the values of the 1971 liberation struggle. The article mentions her planned first public appearance via video on the second anniversary of her exile and suggests that her return would be a significant political event.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Sheikh Hasina's return as a historic and necessary act, emphasizing her connection to the 1971 independence movement and the legacy of her father. It portrays her exile as politically motivated and her return as a restoration of democratic values. The tone supports her leadership,

Why factuality (75): The article provides historical context and references to Hasina's previous return in 1981. While these details are relevant, they are not directly supported by the cross-source consensus on the current situation. Some elements appear speculative.

Why objectivity (70): The article is generally neutral but uses emotive language such as 'victory in itself' when describing Hasina's potential return, which subtly emphasizes her significance without providing balanced analysis.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories