Hasina’s reported Aug 5 virtual event: Shama says India’s stance needs clarity

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh remains committed to a forward-looking relationship with India but expects New Delhi to clarify its position on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's reported virtual appearance on August 5.

"We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want the relationship to be damaged, and I firmly believe India doesn't want that either," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her remarks came in response to questions about media reports that Hasina, who has been in India since leaving Bangladesh following a student-led mass uprising two years ago, is scheduled to join a virtual event in New Delhi on August 5.

According to Indian media reports, Hasina is expected to make an online appearance at a programme organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia), marking her first public engagement in India since leaving Bangladesh.

Shama Obaed said the reported event is not being organised by the Indian government and Dhaka would decide whether diplomatic communication is necessary based on the circumstances.

"If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she said.

Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi before the event, she reiterated that the programme was not an initiative of the Indian government.

Referring to her recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi, the State Minister said both countries are interested in strengthening bilateral relations.

"You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner. We had a lot of good discussions. We want relations with India to improve, and I believe India also wants that."

She said Bangladesh has repeatedly conveyed, both verbally and in writing, that fugitives or convicted individuals should not be allowed to use Indian territory for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.

The State Minister also referred to recent remarks by the Indian government indicating that it did not expect a fugitive accused to make political statements from Indian soil.

Asked whether such activities could affect bilateral ties, she replied, "It can. But we don't want that."

On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, Shama said Dhaka would continue to maintain balanced relations with all countries based on national interests.

"Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country. We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests," she said, adding that cooperation with India, China and other partners would continue in areas such as trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's reported invitation to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, she said no decision had yet been taken.

"Time will tell. I can't tell you now," she said, adding that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at the appropriate time.

She noted that the Prime Minister had received two invitations from India this year, including the latest invitation to the BRICS Summit.

"The Prime Minister is spending 24 hours a day on Bangladesh's affairs. Time will tell when, how and to which country he decides to travel," she said.

India last month invited Tarique to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which will focus on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development.

In February, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Tarique and his family to visit India, saying the two neighbours could become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, strengthen regional cooperation and advance collaboration in connectivity, trade, technology, education, energy, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges.