Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi Press Club Address Draws Objection From Bangladesh Ahead Of Polls

Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 20:03 IST

In a statement, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said Hasina's speech had deeply angered both the government and the public.

Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power in Bangladesh following a student uprising beginning July 2024, and went into exile in India as she fled from her country on August 5. (Image: AFP/File)

Bangladesh on Sunday expressed strong displeasure after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a public address from New Delhi, saying it was “surprised" and “shocked" that Indian authorities allowed the event to take place.

Sheikh Hasina, 78, has been living in India since August 2024, when she fled Bangladesh following a mass uprising that brought an end to her 15-year rule.

On Friday, she made her first public appearance since leaving the country, addressing an audience through an audio message played at a crowded press club in Delhi.

In a statement, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said the speech had deeply angered both the government and the public. “The government and the people of Bangladesh are surprised and shocked," the ministry said.

The statement strongly criticised India’s decision to allow the address in its capital. “Allowing the event to take place in the Indian capital and letting mass murderer Hasina openly deliver her hate speech… constitute a clear affront to the people and the Government of Bangladesh," it said.

Dhaka also warned that the move could harm ties between the two countries. According to the foreign ministry, permitting the speech created “a dangerous precedent" that could “seriously impair bilateral relations".

Hasina faces serious legal trouble in Bangladesh. In November, a court in Dhaka found her guilty in absentia on charges including incitement, issuing orders to kill and failing to prevent atrocities. She was sentenced to death by hanging.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, which is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 12. The vote will be held after months of political unrest that followed the removal of Hasina’s government.

During her address, Hasina criticised the current interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. She claimed that “Bangladesh will never experience free and fair elections" under his leadership.

The audio speech was broadcast online and attracted significant attention, with more than 100,000 people tuning in to watch the event.

News world Sheikh Hasina’s Delhi Press Club Address Draws Objection From Bangladesh Ahead Of Polls

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