India Distances Itself From Hasina's Presser

Why did Dhaka call Hasina's Delhi presser an affront?

Dhaka's foreign ministry said the presser fell on the second anniversary of the July Revolution, the student-led uprising of August 5, 2024 that toppled Hasina. Holding it "on Indian soil" on that date, with Hasina attacking the current government and Awami League members alleging false cases, was called "a grievous insult to the martyrs" and an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty.

What did Bangladesh's home minister say about India's role?

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed questioned why India allowed the event at all, asking, "Why India gave opportunity to Hasina to hold the press conference is all that I want to ask," pushing the objection beyond the speech's content to India hosting Hasina in the first place.

What broader grievance underlies Dhaka's anger at Hasina's presence?

India has repeatedly pressed Bangladesh's interim and subsequent governments over attacks on minorities since August 2024, while Dhaka's authorities downplayed these as politically, not communally, motivated. This unresolved friction over the July Revolution's aftermath, layered with Hasina still sheltering in India and speaking on her ousting's anniversary, keeps sovereignty and legitimacy disputes between the two governments unsettled.

Can Hasina actually return to Bangladesh by year-end?

The evidence points the other way. Hasina was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death in absentia on 17 November 2025, then given a further 7-year sentence on corruption charges on 27 November. Her party, the Awami League, is banned under anti-terrorism law until its trial concludes, and its registration is suspended. Returning would mean walking into a capital sentence.

What exactly was Hasina convicted of and sentenced to?

The International Crimes Tribunal found her guilty on three of five counts, including ordering deployment of drones, helicopters and lethal weapons and killings in Chankarpul and Ashulia. She was sentenced to death and had her declared assets seized. Days later a separate court gave her 7 more years per charge over Purbachal New Town land deals, also implicating her son and daughter.

Why is the Awami League itself banned, not just Hasina?

The home ministry banned all Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing killings, genocide and crimes against humanity in the July uprising, plus alleged post-2024 attempts to obstruct trials and incite unrest from abroad. The ban holds until the International Crimes Tribunal finishes trying the party's leadership, and the Election Commission has suspended its registration.

Could a future government still let her return?

The BNP, now in power after February 2026 elections with 212 of 299 seats, has itself called the presser an affront to the July Revolution's martyrs, leaving little sign it would lift the ban. Any reversal would depend on the ICT proceedings against the party concluding and a government choosing to unwind sentences imposed by courts it inherited, not one it controls.

What did Hasina's son say about ISI in Bangladesh?

Sajeeb Wazed Joy said Pakistan's ISI now has "an open hand" in Bangladesh, calling it "another Pakistan" on India's eastern front. He claimed hundreds of convicted militants have been freed, Hizb ut-Tahrir marches openly, al-Qaeda operatives address rallies, and warned the "next set of terrorists globally" could come from Bangladesh unless stopped.

How did MEA respond to the ISI claim specifically?

Asked about Wazed's ISI comment, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not endorse or dispute the claim directly. He said India "constantly keeps a watch on whatever activities" happen, reiterating separately that the press conference was a private media entity's event in which the government had no role and did not endorse any remarks made.

What other allegations did Wazed make against Bangladesh's government?

Wazed alleged tens of thousands, mostly Awami League members and leaders, are jailed without trial, due process or bail, some elderly and dying in custody. He said party members are killed outside prison "every few weeks" without police action, journalists sympathetic to Awami League remain jailed over two years, and warned the economy risks "total collapse."