Bangladesh Warns Media Against Airing Sheikh Hasina's Virtual Address from India

Bangladesh has warned domestic media outlets against broadcasting or publicising former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's planned virtual address from India, citing an existing tribunal order that prohibits the publication of her speeches and statements.

The development comes as Hasina prepares to make her first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh following the political upheaval in 2024.

Key Highlights

• Bangladesh warns media not to air Sheikh Hasina's speech.
• Hasina is scheduled to address an event virtually from New Delhi.
• The government cites a 2024 tribunal order restricting publication of her statements.
• India says the event is privately organised and has no government involvement.
• Dhaka continues to seek Hasina's extradition from India.

Sheikh Hasina to Address Event from New Delhi

Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to speak via video link at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi.

The programme will also feature:

• Sajeeb Wazed Joy
• Other invited speakers

It will mark Hasina's first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh after the student-led protests that resulted in the fall of her government in 2024.

Her aides have not disclosed the contents of the planned address.

Bangladesh Cites Tribunal Order

Bangladesh's Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman warned that broadcasting or promoting Hasina's speech would violate an order issued by the International Crimes Tribunal in December 2024.

According to the government, the directive prohibits media outlets and social media platforms from publishing or broadcasting:

• Speeches
• Statements
• Interviews
• Audio messages
• Video messages

attributed to Sheikh Hasina.

Authorities have reminded domestic media organisations to comply with the order.

Hasina Remains in India

The former Prime Minister has remained in India since departing Bangladesh following the 2024 political crisis.

According to Reuters, Hasina has previously stated that she intends to return to Bangladesh with party colleagues around December and present herself before the courts.

Bangladesh has been seeking her extradition from India as legal proceedings continue.

India Distances Itself from the Event

Responding to questions about the planned address, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the event is being organised by a private organisation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

"The government has no involvement whatsoever in it, neither does it endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum."

The statement sought to clarify that the event does not represent the official position of the Indian government.

Bilateral Relations Remain Sensitive

The planned address comes amid continuing diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Bangladesh has expressed concern over political activities by Hasina and other Awami League leaders from Indian territory, arguing that such activities could affect bilateral relations.

At the same time, both countries have recently indicated an interest in improving ties despite political differences.

The issue of Hasina's extradition remains one of the key unresolved matters between the two neighbours.

FAQs

Why has Bangladesh warned media outlets?

Authorities say broadcasting Sheikh Hasina's planned address would violate an existing tribunal order restricting publication of her speeches and statements.

Where will Sheikh Hasina deliver her speech?

She is scheduled to address an event virtually from New Delhi, India.

Is the Indian government organising the event?

No. India has stated that the programme is organised by a private media organisation and that the government has no involvement.

Has Bangladesh requested Hasina's extradition?

Yes. Bangladesh continues to seek Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India.

Why is the event significant?

It is expected to be Sheikh Hasina's first public appearance since leaving Bangladesh following the 2024 political developments.