Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s media access

DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh’s foreign ministry has summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe to express strong concern over New Delhi’s decision to allow former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces multiple charges for crimes against humanity, to engage with Indian media outlets.

According to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), senior officials conveyed that granting Hasina a media platform while she remains a fugitive under trial undermines the judicial process in Bangladesh and strains diplomatic ties between the two South Asian neighbors.

Officials reportedly told the Indian envoy that hosting Hasina and allowing her to “spread hatred and advocate terrorist acts inside Bangladesh” in interviews could jeopardize bilateral cooperation efforts. 

Dhaka also requested that Indian authorities immediately restrict her access to media platforms, describing such engagements as “incompatible with friendly relations.”

Hasina, who fled Bangladesh following her government’s ouster last year, is currently facing several cases in domestic courts, including charges of crimes against humanity, corruption, and abuse of power. 

Prosecutors have reportedly sought the maximum penalty against her in connection with violent crackdowns and extrajudicial killings during her tenure.

The diplomatic protest reflects Dhaka’s growing frustration with India’s handling of Hasina’s presence. Authorities in Bangladesh have previously urged New Delhi not to provide political or logistical support to the former leader, whose asylum and activities abroad have become a source of political tension.

With Hasina’s trials gaining pace, Dhaka’s demand to limit her public visibility signals that Bangladesh’s new leadership intends to assert judicial sovereignty and send a message that political impunity will no longer be tolerated.