Bangladesh warns Hasina’s political activities in India could strain ties

Bangladesh has asked India to prevent former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and members of her banned Awami League from conducting political activities from Indian territory, according to details of a meeting between officials from the two countries.

Prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir raised the issue during a meeting with Indian high commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the prime minister’s Tejgaon office.

“It is the expectation of Bangladesh that no one from the banned Awami League gets the opportunity for political activities from India,” Kabir said.

Kabir said speeches or other political activities by Hasina and her party from India could destabilize Bangladesh and damage relations between the neighboring countries.

“Such activities can obstruct the positive progress of bilateral relations,” he said.

Trivedi assured Kabir that India would consider the request.

Bangladesh has also formally asked India several times to extradite Hasina through existing treaties or other arrangements. India has not responded to those requests, according to the report.