'Made In Individual Capacity': India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Amid Sheikh Hasina's Speech Row

Last Updated:February 07, 2025, 20:16 IST

The MEA clarified that Hasina's remarks were made in her "individual capacity" and that India has "no role to play."

MEA Spokesperson Randhi Jaiswal during a press briefing in New Delhi | File Image/PTI

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner to India after Dhaka lodged a protest with New Delhi over remarks being made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her stay in the country.

The MEA clarified that Hasina’s remarks were made in her “individual capacity" and that India has “no role to play." It added that linking her statements to the Indian government’s position will not help improve bilateral relations.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in an official statement, said, “It was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings."

“It is, however, regrettable that regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues. These statements by Bangladesh are in fact responsible for the persistent negativity," he added.

While the Government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere, Jaiswal added in his statement.

Hasina, 77, has been living in India since August 5 last year, when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League’s 16-year regime.

Sheikh Hasina’s Speech Row

The tensions escalated after Hasina responded emotionally to the recent vandalism of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s house in Dhaka.

Condemning the attack, Hasina said, “They can demolish a building, but not the history… but they must also remember that history takes its revenge."

“Today, this house is being demolished. What crime had it committed? Why were they so afraid of the house? I seek justice from the people of the country. Didn’t I do anything for you?" she added.

Taking note, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry summoned India’s acting high commissioner in Dhaka and lodged a strong protest over statements made by Hasina while in exile in India.

Bangladesh formally requested India in writing to prevent Hasina from making false, fabricated and incendiary statements. Such activities by Hasina, are considered as a hostile act towards Bangladesh, it added.

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