New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said the Indian government has no involvement in Sheikh Hasina’s proposed virtual media interaction scheduled for August 5 in New Delhi.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event is being organised by a private media entity and that the government neither endorses nor is connected with any views that may be expressed during the programme.

The clarification came after Bangladesh raised concerns that the event could affect the recent improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Hasina expected to outline return plans

Sheikh Hasina is expected to address journalists virtually from New Delhi on August 5, marking her first media interaction since leaving Bangladesh in 2024.

According to the organisers, she is expected to discuss her plans to return to Bangladesh and outline her vision for the country's future.

When asked about reports that Hasina intends to return to Bangladesh by December, the MEA declined to comment.

Bangladesh raises concerns

Bangladesh has urged that Indian territory should not be used for political activities that it believes could affect its internal stability.

Authorities in Dhaka have also warned local media against publishing Hasina’s remarks, citing an order of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal and directives issued by government agencies.

Background to the controversy

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since leaving Bangladesh after her government collapsed in August 2024 following weeks of violent protests.

Bangladesh's current government has sought her extradition, while India has said the request is being examined in accordance with legal and judicial processes.

Meanwhile, the MEA also confirmed that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited for a bilateral visit to India and to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in his capacity as the current BIMSTEC Chair.