India denies role in Sheikh Hasina’s planned speech on Bangladesh uprising

India denied involvement Tuesday in a planned virtual address by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the event was organized by a private media group.

“The government has no involvement whatsoever in it and does not endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.

Hasina, who has lived in self-imposed exile in New Delhi since her government was ousted in 2024, was scheduled to appear by video Wednesday at an event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia.

Bangladesh had asked India to prevent Hasina and other Awami League figures from using Indian territory for political activity. Bangladesh also barred local media from airing or publishing the address, citing laws restricting Hasina’s speeches and interviews.

Hasina’s party condemned the ban, while an aide said the event would proceed.