Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Sheikh Hasina’s media interaction

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - File Photo

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe to convey what it called “serious concern” over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent interaction with the Indian media.

According to the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the ministry formally protested what it described as India’s decision to “allow” the ex-premier to engage with journalists while facing trial back home. The statement said Hasina was a “notorious fugitive” who is currently being tried “for committing crimes against humanity.”

The move comes at a time of growing political unrest in Bangladesh. The Awami League, Hasina’s party, has announced a nationwide daylong lockdown for Thursday, calling on citizens from all walks of life to join the programme. The protest coincides with the International Crimes Tribunal’s plan to announce the date of its verdict in the case against Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder, linked to the July 2024 uprising.

Authorities across Bangladesh have stepped up security ahead of the announcement. The army, police, and other security forces have been deployed at airports, government buildings, and other key installations as tensions rise.

Speaking to News18, former Bangladesh minister and senior Awami League leader Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel said the lockdown had already achieved its purpose. “Our objective was to show the Yunus regime that the people are no longer with his cronies through a non-cooperation movement. Across the country—not just in Dhaka—people have already responded. They are staying indoors and boycotting everything associated with this illegal, murderous regime. The capital is already deserted. So yes, we have achieved our objective. They wanted to malign us by suggesting we would incite violence, but people have responded peacefully and overwhelmingly by joining the government boycott.”

Hasina has been addressing her party workers virtually in recent months. In her messages, she has said she will return to Bangladesh once what she calls “participatory democracy” is restored.

The diplomatic protest against India and the rising political tension in Bangladesh mark a new phase in the country’s ongoing power struggle, with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus facing growing opposition from Hasina’s supporters.