State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam stated on Tuesday that India must clarify whether it will permit convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and banned Awami League leaders to operate from its territory. She warned that allowing such activities could strain the relationship between the two nations.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Obaed said the continuation of what she termed conspiratorial actions by opposition figures on Indian soil would cause significant concern for the people of Bangladesh. She noted that Dhaka has already communicated its worries through official channels.
“If the autocratic, fascist, convicted Awami League leaders and the head of the Awami League, sitting on Indian soil, continue to carry out such conspiratorial activities, and if the Indian government does not stop it right now, then it will certainly create a cause for concern for the people of Bangladesh,” she told reporters.
The minister argued that New Delhi needs to be more sensitive to public sentiment within Bangladesh. She called for a decision that reflects the current political reality regarding the region’s stability.
“India needs to be more sensitive in that area and take a very intelligent decision about what it wants to do in the future,” she added.
Accusations of “Dirty Politics”
Obaed accused the Awami League of attempting to revive its “old dirty politics” by portraying Bangladesh as a hub for extremism. She suggested this tactic is designed to garner international attention.
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“This theory of militancy is the old dirty politics of the Awami League. They are now trying to do it again on foreign soil. Whether India will allow it or not… it is up to the Indian government to decide,” she stated.
The situation presents a delicate diplomatic test for New Delhi, which must balance its historical ties with the ousted regime against the necessity of engaging with the current administration in Dhaka. Allowing exiled leaders to organize against a sitting government typically creates friction, and silence from Indian officials could be interpreted as tacit approval of efforts to destabilize the region.
Rejecting allegations of rising militancy in her country, Obaed emphasized that Bangladesh currently operates under an elected government. She claimed these accusations hold no credibility domestically or internationally.
Concerns Over Bilateral Ties
Addressing the presence of Sheikh Hasina directly, the minister questioned the implications of a convicted individual using a neighboring country as a base for political commentary.
“When a convicted criminal sits on Indian soil and says such things, and the Indian government allows it, then, of course, there is concern for Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh about where our relationship will stand in the future,” Obaed remarked.
She also dismissed the Awami League’s rhetoric regarding democracy and human rights. Obaed cited allegations of enforced disappearances and killings during the party’s tenure to argue that their claims are hypocritical.
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“When we hear democracy from the mouth of the Awami League, when we hear human rights from the mouth of the Awami League, it becomes a very ridiculous thing,” she said.
Despite the sharp criticism, the state minister reiterated that Bangladesh desires constructive ties with its neighbor. She stressed that any partnership must be built on equality, mutual respect, and dignity.
“India is a democratic country. India itself has to decide what its foreign policy regarding Bangladesh will be. We want good relations, in the interest of the people of both countries. But the relationship has to be based on equality, with mutual respect and dignity,” she noted.
Dhaka remains committed to dialogue with New Delhi on shared issues including water and energy, as well as border management. Bangladesh currently chairs Bimstec and has expressed interest in joining BRICS.
Obaed mentioned that any decision regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s participation in a future BRICS summit would depend on his schedule.