India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, 7 August formally distanced the government from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's virtual media interaction held in New Delhi on Wednesday, stating it had no role in organising the event and does not endorse any remarks made at the forum — particularly those directed at the current government in Dhaka.

What the MEA Said

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, clarified that the programme was organised by a private media entity. 'The government had no role to play in what was an event by a private media entity and the government does not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted government of Bangladesh,' Jaiswal said.

The clarification reiterates India's earlier position and comes amid heightened diplomatic friction between New Delhi and Dhaka following Hasina's public remarks.

What Hasina Said at the Event

Sheikh Hasina, who has been living in exile in India for the past two years, addressed the press conference via an audio link from New Delhi on Wednesday. She claimed that Bangladesh's situation had deteriorated over the last two years, with citizens continuing to live in an atmosphere of 'fear, insecurity and economic distress' despite the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) assuming office following what she described as a 'rigged election.'

'Even after a rigged election brought the BNP to power, the situation did not change. Bangladesh remains in the grip of fear, terror, depression, economic hardship and deep insecurity,' Hasina said. She also indicated she intends to return to Bangladesh by year-end.

Dhaka's Sharp Response

The BNP-led Bangladesh government reacted strongly to Hasina's address, describing her as an 'absconding convicted genocider,' a 'mass murderer,' and the head of a 'mafia enterprise' — remarks made in the context of the anniversary of the 2024 July Revolution. Dhaka also formally urged New Delhi to extradite Hasina and termed the event an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty.

Several former Bangladeshi ministers pushed back against the Tarique Rahman-led government's characterisation, calling the political rhetoric 'juvenile' and accusing the administration of abandoning diplomatic decorum in an attempt to suppress dissenting voices.

Sajeeb Wazed Joy's Allegations

Joining the interaction virtually from the United States, Hasina's son and former Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Indian government had 'shown her the utmost respect and for that I'm eternally grateful.' Wazed also alleged that Bangladesh has become 'another Pakistan' on India's eastern front, claiming foreign intelligence agencies — including, he alleged, the ISI — have an 'open hand' in the country, with terror elements reportedly operating 'openly.'

Responding to Wazed's allegations, Jaiswal said India was 'closely' monitoring developments in its neighbourhood. 'We continue to closely follow developments that happen in our neighbourhood. Keeping in mind our national security interests and whatever measures have to be taken in that regard, we take those to secure our interests,' he said.

What Comes Next

India's careful distancing signals an effort to preserve diplomatic relations with Dhaka while managing the politically sensitive presence of Hasina on Indian soil. With Hasina signalling a return to Bangladesh by year-end and Dhaka pressing for her extradition, the bilateral dynamic between the two neighbours is likely to remain under close watch in the weeks ahead.