Bangladesh Summons Indian Diplomat Over Sheikh Hasina's Media Interviews
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Bangladesh's foreign ministry has summoned India's deputy high commissioner, Pawan Badhe, to express its 'serious concern' over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's interactions with the Indian media. This move comes after Hasina, who has been in self-exile in India since her government's fall in August 2024, gave interviews to several Indian media outlets, including Hindustan Times. The Bangladeshi government views Hasina's access to the media as unhelpful to fostering a constructive bilateral relationship. In a statement, the foreign ministry also demanded that India discontinue Hasina's access to media, labeling her a 'notorious fugitive' currently under trial for crimes against humanity. The Indian side has maintained that its media is independent and not controlled by the government. The development has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, with the Press Club of India criticizing a spokesperson for the interim government for describing Indian journalists as 'bootlicking'. India-Bangladesh relations have been strained since the caretaker administration assumed office, with the Indian side criticizing the government for failing to protect minorities and Dhaka seeking Hasina's extradition.
