India Rejects Bangladesh’s Claims, Affirms No Role in Hasina’s Remarks
Dhaka Summons Indian Envoy Over Hasina’s Comments; New Delhi Calls for Constructive Ties
New Delhi/Dhaka, Feb 7 – India has firmly dismissed Bangladesh’s concerns over remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasizing that her statements were made in a personal capacity and do not reflect India’s stance. The response comes after Bangladesh summoned India’s Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka, urging New Delhi to prevent Hasina from making “false and fabricated” statements while in India.
The diplomatic row intensified after Hasina, who fled to India following violent protests last year, delivered a virtual address on Wednesday, calling for resistance against the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. In response, thousands of protesters in Dhaka vandalized and set fire to the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s founding leader and Hasina’s father.
Bangladesh Lodges Protest, India Summons Dhaka’s Envoy
Reacting to the incident, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry handed over a formal protest note to India’s Acting High Commissioner, expressing “deep concern, disappointment, and serious reservations” over Hasina’s remarks. Dhaka urged India to take immediate steps to stop her from making what it called “incendiary statements.”
India, in turn, summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to New Delhi, Md. Nural Islam, on Friday evening. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed its displeasure over Bangladesh’s repeated portrayal of India in a negative light.
“It was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated in recent high-level meetings,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. However, he added, “It is regrettable that Bangladesh continues to make statements holding India responsible for internal governance issues. Such narratives are contributing to persistent negativity in bilateral relations.”
India’s Firm Stand: ‘No Role in Hasina’s Speech’
Clarifying India’s position, the MEA emphasized that Hasina’s statements were made in her individual capacity and should not be conflated with the Indian government’s stance.
“Comments attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been made in her personal capacity. India has no role to play in this matter,” Jaiswal asserted.
He further stated that India remains committed to strengthening ties with Bangladesh but expects Dhaka to reciprocate the same spirit “without vitiating the atmosphere.”
Background: Unrest in Bangladesh and Hasina’s Exile
Bangladesh has been grappling with political turmoil since Hasina fled to India in August 2024 amid a mass uprising that left over 1,000 people dead. The Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has struggled to restore stability, with violent protests continuing across the country.
Hasina, in her speech on Wednesday, accused the interim government of unlawfully seizing power and urged her supporters to “resist oppression.” Following her remarks, mobs targeted and torched the historic Dhanmondi 32 residence, where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and was later assassinated in 1975.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balance
As tensions escalate, India has distanced itself from Hasina’s statements while reaffirming its long-standing commitment to stable and cooperative relations with Bangladesh. With Dhaka insisting on stricter measures against Hasina’s activities, New Delhi will have to navigate a delicate diplomatic path—balancing regional stability with its non-interference policy in Bangladesh’s internal affairs.
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