Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Delhi has accused Dhaka of “vitiating the atmosphere” in bilateral relations after the interim government summoned acting Indian high commissioner in Dhaka to demand a halt to statements made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a strongly worded response, India reciprocated by summoning Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner, Nurul Islam, on Friday, reaffirming that New Delhi had no role in Hasina’s comments.
In its statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs, or MEA, said: “It is, however, regrettable that regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues. These statements by Bangladesh are in fact responsible for the persistent negativity.”
Hasina, who stepped down from power on Aug 5, 2024 following a student-led uprising, has been residing in India.
The Bangladesh government has requested her extradition on charges of “genocide” related to her government’s suppression of protests. New Delhi has yet to respond to the request.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA, said: “India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings.”
Violent protests erupted in Dhaka amid Hasina’s virtual address from India.
On Wednesday, an hour before the deposed premier’s speech, a mob demolished Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic residence at Dhanmondi Road No. 32, and set fire to her personal residence, Sudha Sadan.
They also attacked, vandalised and looted properties linked to Awami League leaders across the country.
The Bangladesh government condemned the violence but held Hasina responsible, citing her statements in exile as a catalyst for public outrage.
In a press statement on Thursday, the chief advisor’s press wing said: “Sheikh Hasina’s provocative statements against the July coup while in India have fueled public anger, which has been expressed.”
The foreign ministry also summoned India's top diplomat the same day.
Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain said, “We have requested India in writing to restrain Sheikh Hasina from making such statements. It's going against Bangladesh. We have yet to receive an answer.”
"Because of her activities for a few days, we have handed over a letter of protest again today. The high commissioner is unavailable at the moment, the protest letter has been handed to the acting Indian high commissioner asking them to stop her.”
In response, Jaiswal emphasised that Hasina’s statements were her personal opinions, distinct from the Indian government’s stance.
“Comments attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been made in her individual capacity in which India has no role to play,” said Jaiswal.
“Conflating this with the Government of India's position is not going to help add positivity to bilateral relations.”
“While the Government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere."
Earlier, the MEA issued a statement expressing concern over the attacks on Bangabandhu’s house, calling the incident “sad”.