What’s Behind Sheikh Hasina's Upcoming Virtual Media Interaction in India?

India has stated it is not involved in Sheikh Hasina's upcoming virtual media interaction, which is set to take place in New Delhi. This event marks her first media engagement since fleeing Bangladesh amid protests two years ago. Concerns have been raised by Dhaka regarding the potential impact of this interaction on the improving relations between the two nations. Hasina's legal troubles and the political landscape in Bangladesh add complexity to the situation. As both countries work to stabilize their ties, this media event could have significant implications. Read on to discover more about the unfolding diplomatic dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 4, 2026, 18:06 IST

India Clarifies Its Position on Hasina's Media Event

New Delhi: On Tuesday, India made it clear that it is not involved in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming virtual media interaction scheduled for this week in New Delhi.

This event marks Hasina's first media engagement since she left Dhaka two years ago amid widespread anti-government protests.

Following this announcement, Dhaka sought clarification from India, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's foreign affairs adviser, Humaiun Kobir, expressing concerns that the media interaction could jeopardize the recent positive developments in bilateral relations.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded, stating, "The interaction you refer to is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum."

This statement was made during Jaiswal's bi-weekly media briefing.

Hasina is expected to hold the virtual press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club.

Her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, along with several other leaders from the Awami League, including Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Shakib Al Hasan, are anticipated to participate in the conference.

At 78 years old, Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing Dhaka after her government collapsed in August 2024 due to significant anti-government protests.

In November of the same year, she was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal in Dhaka for alleged "crimes against humanity" linked to her government's violent response to student-led protests.

Since the ruling, Dhaka has been pressing New Delhi to extradite her to face justice.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated significantly since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power after Hasina's government fell.

Efforts to mend ties began after Indian Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended Rahman's inauguration as prime minister in Dhaka on February 17.

Rahman assumed office following a decisive victory in the parliamentary elections, where Hasina's Awami League was barred from participating.

In April, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India to help repair the strained diplomatic relations that had been tense for over 18 months.