Bangladesh Scolds India Over Sheikh Hasina Interviews, Seeks Media Blackout
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Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry has summoned India's deputy high commissioner, Pawan Badhe, to express its deep concern over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's interactions with Indian media. This move comes after Hasina, who has been living in self-exile in India since her government's ousting in August 2024, gave interviews to several Indian media outlets, including Hindustan Times. According to state-run BSS news agency, Dhaka is not pleased with the Indian government's decision to allow Hasina to speak to the media, describing it as 'unhelpful' to fostering a constructive bilateral relationship. The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has also requested India to immediately discontinue Hasina's access to media. The diplomatic row has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as Hasina has recently given interviews to British and French media outlets without any repercussions. The Press Club of India has criticized the interim government's spokesperson, Shafiqul Alam, for calling the journalists who interviewed Hasina 'bootlicking' journalists. India-Bangladesh relations have been strained since the caretaker administration led by Muhammad Yunus took office in August last year. India has accused the interim government of failing to prevent the oppression of Bangladesh's minorities, including Hindus. Bangladesh has sought the extradition of Hasina, but India has yet to act on the request.
