Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi speech a threat to national security: Foreign Ministry

The Bangladesh government has expressed shock and anger over the opportunity given to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, convicted for crimes against humanity, to deliver a public speech in New Delhi, calling it a direct threat to Bangladesh’s security and democratic process.

In a statement on Sunday (January 25), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the speech, delivered on January 23, included calls to overthrow the government and urged followers and the public to engage in violent acts to disrupt the upcoming national elections.

“The government and people of Bangladesh are deeply concerned and alarmed by this act, which endangers democratic transition, peace, and stability in the country,” the statement said.

The ministry also criticised India for allowing Sheikh Hasina to speak publicly despite repeated requests from Bangladesh under the bilateral extradition treaty to hand over the fugitive. “Permitting such incendiary remarks on Indian soil undermines sovereign norms, non-interference in internal affairs, and neighbourly conduct, and constitutes a clear affront to Bangladesh,” it said.

The statement warned that the incident could set a dangerous precedent for future Bangladesh-India relations and compromise the ability of any future elected government to maintain bilateral ties.

The Foreign Ministry further noted that the speech demonstrated why the interim government had to restrict the activities of Sheikh Hasina’s party, and vowed to take all necessary measures to prevent violence or conspiracies around the upcoming election.