Sun Jan 25 17:57:12 UTC 2026: # Bangladesh-India Relations Strained After Hasina’s Appearance in Delhi

The Story:

The relationship between Bangladesh and India has deteriorated sharply following a press event in New Delhi where exiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made statements critical of the current Bangladeshi government. The event, titled “Save Democracy in Bangladesh,” featured speeches by several Awami League leaders and shared messages from Ms. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. The Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed outrage, accusing India of violating international norms and potentially damaging future bilateral relations.

Key Points:

  • The event “Save Democracy in Bangladesh” was held at the Foreign Correspondents Club South Asia in Delhi on January 23, 2026.
  • Sheikh Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal, addressed the media through audio messages.
  • The Bangladesh government is “shocked” and “surprised” that India allowed the event to occur.
  • Bangladesh accuses India of violating principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and good neighborliness.
  • The Foreign Ministry statement claims Ms. Hasina is inciting “acts of terror” ahead of elections.
  • Bangladesh has been seeking Ms. Hasina’s repatriation to face justice.

Critical Analysis:

The recent events surrounding Sheikh Hasina and the reaction of the Bangladeshi government need to be viewed in the context of the strained relationship between the two countries, exacerbated by the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the T20 World Cup due to what appears to be the Bangladeshi government preventing the team from playing in India. The fact that this primary article was published immediately after the cricket news broke suggests that both issues might be related, with the Indian government demonstrating implicit support for the Awami League.

Key Takeaways:

  • India-Bangladesh relations are at a significant low point.
  • The Bangladeshi government views India’s actions as a direct affront to its sovereignty.
  • The situation raises questions about India’s foreign policy towards Bangladesh, particularly concerning internal political matters.
  • The T20 World Cup saga is also part of a wider picture of deteriorating relations.

Impact Analysis:

The deterioration of relations between Bangladesh and India carries significant long-term implications. It may influence geopolitical dynamics in the region, impacting trade, security cooperation, and cross-border relations. The perceived Indian support for the opposition party in Bangladesh could further destabilize the political landscape within Bangladesh and encourage anti-India sentiment. Future cooperation on issues like counter-terrorism and water-sharing agreements could be severely hampered.

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