Bangladesh has requested India to clarify its position on exiled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s proposed virtual address from New Delhi, cautioning that permitting political activities by a fugitive could undermine the progress in bilateral relations.

The comments marked Bangladesh’s first formal reaction to Hasina’s scheduled participation in an August 5 event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCCSA) in New Delhi, commemorating the second anniversary of the student-led uprising that brought down her government.

The situation arises as Dhaka continues to pursue Hasina’s extradition from India, where she has resided since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024. Last week Hasina intended to go back to Bangladesh in December, where she has been charged under several legal cases.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, told reporters late on Monday, "We are advancing with India through a forward-looking approach. We do not want this progress to be disrupted."

"India has to be clear about its ​stance."

The FCCSA stated that Hasina, 78, will speak at the New Delhi event via video link, joined by her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and other participants. The club did not promptly reply to inquiries regarding the Bangladesh government’s concerns.

Islam stated that Bangladesh had repeatedly expressed its concerns to India about Hasina and other Awami League leaders issuing political statements from Indian territory.

"We do not want India-Bangladesh relations to be harmed by statements from fugitive accused individuals," she said that India had earlier stated it did not anticipate fugitives engaging in political activities from within its borders.

Relations between the India and Bangladesh have been tense since Hasina was ousted from power, but both sides have lately indicated an openness to restoring their relationship through increased engagement and cooperation following the formation of Tarique Rahman's government after the February election.

Hasina has stayed in India since her government was toppled following weeks of lethal demonstrations.

Bangladesh has subsequently pursued her extradition, and in 2025 she was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated claimed as many as 1,400 lives.

Hasina has dismissed the ruling as having no legal validity.