Dhaka seeks Delhi's clarification on Hasina's planned 5 Aug virtual appearance

Bangladesh has sought clarification from the Indian government regarding its position on reports that convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina will participate virtually in an event scheduled for 5 August, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said.

Speaking at a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (3 August), the state minister said Bangladesh wanted India's position on the matter to be made clear.

She also said Sheikh Hasina's public political activities from Indian territory could have a negative impact on bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to Indian media reports, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power during the student-led mass uprising, is expected to join a programme hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia)in New Delhi virtually on 5 August.

The State Minister referred to the recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and said they want the Bangladesh-India relationship to improve. "You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner who came here. We had a lot of good discussions."

"We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," said the State Minister.

Responding to a separate question, she said Bangladesh could communicate with the Indian government if it considers it necessary over the reported event in India on 5 August involving Hasina, while stressing that Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations.

The State Minister, however, said the reported programme is not being organised by the Indian government, and Dhaka would decide on any diplomatic communication if circumstances required.

Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi before the reported event, Shama Obaed said the Indian government is not organising the programme.

Referring to Hasina and other Awami League leaders staying abroad, the State Minister said Bangladesh has repeatedly conveyed its position to India that fugitives or convicted individuals should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.

She said the issue has been raised both verbally and in writing during bilateral engagements.

Shama Obaed also referred to recent remarks by the Indian government, saying New Delhi had indicated it did not expect a fugitive accused to make political statements from Indian territory.

She said political activities by fugitives from India that sought to create instability in Bangladesh could negatively affect bilateral relations.

"It can. But we don't want that," she said when asked whether such programmes could damage ties between the two neighbours.

On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, Shama Obaed said the country would maintain balanced relations with all partners based on its national interests.

"Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country," she said. "We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests."

Shama Obaed said Dhaka would continue to engage with India, China and other countries in areas including trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.

Asked about an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit in September, she indicated that no decision had yet been made. ExecutiveBranch

"Time will tell.... I can't tell you now," she said, adding that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time.

The State Minister mentioned two separate invitations extended to the Prime Minister in February and the recent one, and said the Prime Minister is spending 24 hours a day on Bangladesh's affairs. "So, time will tell when, how and in which country he will take a decision."

India, which is going to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September, last month invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the important event, which will focus on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development.

Inviting his Bangladesh counterpart and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security, and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies.

"I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges," he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique in February this year.