New Delhi: Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong and stable ties with India after New Delhi clarified that it has no role in an event in the national capital featuring former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed, said the country does not want its relationship with India to be affected and expressed hope that both neighbours would continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Her remarks came amid attention over a media event scheduled to be held in New Delhi on August 5 to mark the anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power in 2024. Hasina, who has been living in New Delhi since leaving Bangladesh following widespread student led protests, is expected to participate virtually in the programme.
Obaed noted that the Indian government had already made its position clear by stating that it has no connection with the event. She emphasized that Bangladesh is pursuing a forward looking approach in its ties with India and believes both countries are interested in preserving their long standing relationship.
Earlier in the day, India firmly distanced itself from the programme. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the interaction is being organised by a private media organisation and that the Government of India has no involvement in its planning or conduct. He also clarified that the government does not endorse any views that may be expressed during the event.
The clarification came after Bangladesh sought New Delhi’s position on the programme, stressing the importance of avoiding any misunderstanding that could impact bilateral relations.
The event, organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi, will be held at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium. It will mark Sheikh Hasina’s first public appearance since the political upheaval of 2024. According to the organisers, she is expected to announce her plans to return to Bangladesh and present her vision for the country’s future. The programme will also feature addresses by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and senior leaders of the Awami League.
