India needs to stop enabling Hasina’s media outreach, says Bangladesh Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam

November 19, 2025

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in exile in India since fleeing Dhaka in August 2024, where she now faces serious criminal charges including corruption, human rights violations, and war crimes. Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has expressed strong concerns about India allowing Hasina to conduct media interviews from exile, arguing she is using Indian territory to spread inflammatory statements that fuel unrest in Bangladesh. The interim government claims significant progress in stabilizing the country's economy and institutions after the July-August 2024 uprising that ousted Hasina's administration.

Who is affected

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister of Bangladesh facing criminal charges
The Awami League political party and its supporters in Bangladesh and abroad
The interim government of Bangladesh led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus
Citizens of Bangladesh experiencing post-uprising recovery and political transition
The Indian government hosting Hasina in exile
Women's rights activists and women in Bangladesh
Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations and officials from both countries
Businesses and workers in Bangladesh's garments industry and banking sector

What action is being taken

The Indian government is officially allowing Sheikh Hasina to remain in India indefinitely under protection
Hasina is communicating with Awami League members and addressing supporters through recorded messages and virtual rallies
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner to convey concerns about Hasina's media interactions
The interim government is implementing reforms through 11 commissions focused on judicial measures
Police are taking strict action against Awami League supporters accused of violence and political sabotage
The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively addressing the Hasina asylum issue
The Election Commission is implementing preparations for parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum
Law enforcement and armed forces are preparing to ensure a neutral election environment

Why it matters

This situation represents a critical juncture in Bangladesh's political transition following the overthrow of a sixteen-year authoritarian regime. The diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and India over Hasina's asylum threaten to damage historically close ties between two neighboring countries with deep cultural and economic connections. The charges against Hasina, including her November 2024 death sentence for crimes against humanity, highlight the severity of alleged human rights abuses during the July-August protests. The interim government's success in stabilizing the economy, reducing crime, and preparing for free elections will determine whether Bangladesh can transition to genuine democracy or risk returning to authoritarianism, making this a defining moment for the nation's democratic future and regional stability.

What's next

The International Crimes Tribunal will soon deliver its verdict on Sheikh Hasina's case (note: the article mentions a death sentence was already issued in November 2024)
Bangladesh will hold both parliamentary elections and a constitutional referendum on the same day in early February 2026
The Election Commission will continue implementing its roadmap for elections with strict campaign conduct codes
The interim government will continue working through its 11 reform commissions to implement structural changes

Read full article from source: Global Voices