NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday said that the India “had no role to play” in the recent media interaction made by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina.In a bi-weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that event was organised by a private entity and the government does not endorse anything said at the forum.“The government had no role to play in what was an event by a private media entity.” Jaiswal said.“It does not endorse anything said at the forum, especially with regard to the duly constituted government of Bangladesh,” he added.This comes days after Hasina, during a press conference, declared that she was determined to return to Bangladesh in December to put the country on the “right track” by restoring democracy despite the possibility of imprisonment or a death sentence.“I know, they may put me in jail or kill me. I will go back home to be with my people,” Hasina said.“Whatever fate awaits me, I will return to my people. I cannot stay away while my beloved countrymen are suffering,” she said.Hasina alleged that the July-August 2024 protests that led to the fall of her government were not a spontaneous student movement but were orchestrated by organised groups to create a path to power outside the electoral process.Reacting strongly to the media interaction, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said it was “outraged” that the event had been allowed despite Dhaka raising concerns with New Delhi over its potential impact on bilateral ties.“Bangladesh is outraged that the absconding convicted genocider Sheikh Hasina was allowed this evening to engage in a live interaction with the media in New Delhi, where she and her henchmen launched venomous vitriol against the State of Bangladesh and its people,” the ministry said in a statement.Describing the event as “an affront to the sovereignty of Bangladesh”, the ministry alleged that Hasina and her associates had used Indian soil to launch “venomous vitriol” against Bangladesh and its people.Reiterating its position, the foreign ministry said Bangladesh remained committed to building a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference and national dignity.
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Dhaka also urged India to clarify its policy towards Bangladesh.Bangladesh’s state minister for foreign affairs Shama Obaed said New Delhi must decide whether it would continue to allow Awami League leaders to “carry out conspiratorial activities” from its territory.“India is a democratic country. India itself has to decide what its foreign policy will be regarding Bangladesh. We want good relations in the interest of the people of both countries,” she said.“But the relationship has to be based on equality, mutual respect and safeguarding each country’s interests. If India understands that, it will be good for everyone,” she added.
