Bangladesh on Wednesday summoned India’s deputy high commissioner in Dhaka to protest recent interviews former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has given to several Indian media outlets, calling the coverage inappropriate for a fugitive currently on trial for crimes against humanity.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its displeasure to Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, according to senior officials familiar with the meeting. Dhaka said Hasina, who fled the country during last year’s July uprising, has been using foreign platforms to spread hatred and advocate activities Bangladesh considers destabilizing.
Officials told the Indian envoy that allowing Hasina access to major news outlets while she remains under trial in absentia undermines efforts to maintain a constructive bilateral relationship. They said hosting a fugitive and providing her with a platform to comment on domestic Bangladeshi politics could fuel tensions at a sensitive moment.
Bangladesh also requested that India discontinue Hasina’s access to the media. The former leader has recently been interviewed not only by Indian outlets but also by AFP, Reuters and the Independent in the UK.
India has not publicly commented on the summons. Hasina, who served multiple terms as prime minister, denies the charges against her and has portrayed the tribunal process as politically motivated.