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26 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
2 min
International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Bangladesh Expresses Displeasure Over Sheikh Hasina's Press Event in Delhi

Bangladesh government expresses shock and grievance over Sheikh Hasina's press event in Delhi.

Bangladesh Expresses Displeasure Over Sheikh Hasina's Press Event in Delhi

Photo by Rama Krushna Behera

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has expressed shock and grievance over a press event held in Delhi where audio messages by deposed Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina were shared. The event, titled "Save democracy in Bangladesh", featured statements by Ms. Hasina, who has been staying in an undisclosed location in India since fleeing Bangladesh in 2024. The Foreign Ministry stated that allowing the event was contrary to the norms of inter-state relations and could impair future bilateral relations.

Key Facts

1.

Sheikh Hasina: Audio messages shared at Delhi press event

2.

Event title: Save democracy in Bangladesh

3.

Bangladesh: Expresses shock and grievance

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Bilateral relations, India and its neighborhood

2.

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

3.

Potential for questions on India-Bangladesh relations, challenges, and opportunities

Visual Insights

India-Bangladesh Relations: Key Locations

Map highlighting Delhi (site of the press event) and Bangladesh, emphasizing the geographical proximity and potential impact on bilateral relations.

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📍Delhi📍Dhaka
More Information

Background

The relationship between India and Bangladesh has deep historical roots, predating the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. India played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh, providing support to the Mukti Bahini during the war. This shared history has shaped the bilateral ties, though not without periods of strain.

The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 led to a period of political instability in Bangladesh, impacting relations with India. Over the decades, various issues such as border disputes, water sharing (especially the Teesta River), and illegal immigration have presented challenges. However, both countries have consistently worked towards strengthening cooperation in areas like trade, connectivity, and security.

Latest Developments

In recent years, India and Bangladesh have focused on enhancing connectivity through various projects, including inland waterways, road, and rail links. The focus has been on improving trade and economic cooperation. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is under negotiation, aiming to boost trade and investment.

Security cooperation has also been strengthened, with joint exercises and coordinated border management. However, concerns remain regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and its potential impact on Bangladesh. The Rohingya refugee crisis and its management also remain a key area of discussion and cooperation between the two nations.

Future outlook involves deeper integration in energy, infrastructure, and digital economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry upset with the event in Delhi?

The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry is upset because they believe the event in Delhi, featuring audio messages by Sheikh Hasina, was against the norms of inter-state relations and could harm future relations between Bangladesh and India. They see it as interfering in Bangladesh's internal affairs.

2. What is the title of the event that caused the controversy?

The title of the event that caused the controversy is "Save democracy in Bangladesh".

3. What are the key facts to remember about this issue for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that the key facts are: Sheikh Hasina's audio messages were shared at a Delhi press event, the event was titled "Save democracy in Bangladesh", and the Bangladesh government expressed shock and grievance over the event.

4. What does this incident reveal about India-Bangladesh relations?

This incident highlights that despite generally strong relations, there can be sensitivities and disagreements. It shows that actions perceived as interference in internal affairs can strain the relationship, even if unintended.

5. How might this event impact common citizens in Bangladesh?

This event could potentially impact common citizens by influencing political stability and future relations with India, which affects trade, development projects, and overall regional cooperation. Any strain in relations could affect cross-border movement and economic opportunities.

6. What is the significance of the year 2024 in the context of this news?

As per the topic data, 2024 is the year Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh and has been staying in an undisclosed location in India.

7. What are the recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations?

Recent developments focus on enhancing connectivity through waterways, road, and rail links to improve trade and economic cooperation. A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is under negotiation. Security cooperation has also been strengthened.

8. What broader concept in International Relations is highlighted by this news?

This news highlights the concept of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of another state. It underscores the importance of respecting each other's political processes and avoiding actions that could be perceived as undermining a government's authority.

9. In your opinion, what should India do to maintain good relations with Bangladesh given this situation?

India should reaffirm its commitment to non-interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs and engage in diplomatic efforts to address Bangladesh's concerns. Open communication and addressing grievances through established channels are crucial.

10. What is the historical background of India-Bangladesh relations?

The relationship between India and Bangladesh has deep historical roots, predating the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. India played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh, providing support to the Mukti Bahini during the war. This shared history has shaped the bilateral ties.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding India-Bangladesh relations: 1. India played a significant role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. 2. The Teesta River water sharing agreement has been successfully implemented. 3. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Bangladesh is already in effect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: India's support to the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 war was crucial in the liberation of Bangladesh. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Teesta River water sharing agreement is still under negotiation and has not been successfully implemented due to disagreements on water distribution. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The CEPA between India and Bangladesh is currently under negotiation, not yet in effect. It aims to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the historical context of the relationship between India and Bangladesh? A) The relationship has been consistently cordial since the partition of India in 1947. B) India's role in the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh significantly shaped the bilateral ties. C) The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975 had no impact on India-Bangladesh relations. D) Border disputes have been fully resolved, leading to a seamless relationship.

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D
Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is CORRECT: India's support to the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 Liberation War was crucial and significantly shaped the bilateral ties between India and Bangladesh. Option A is INCORRECT: The relationship has seen periods of strain due to various issues. Option C is INCORRECT: The assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led to political instability and impacted relations. Option D is INCORRECT: Border disputes are not fully resolved and continue to be a point of discussion.

3. With reference to recent developments in India-Bangladesh relations, consider the following statements: 1. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been a point of contention between the two countries. 2. India and Bangladesh have strengthened security cooperation through joint exercises and coordinated border management. 3. The Rohingya refugee crisis has no bearing on the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The CAA has raised concerns in Bangladesh regarding its potential impact on the country. Statement 2 is CORRECT: India and Bangladesh have indeed strengthened security cooperation through joint exercises and coordinated border management. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Rohingya refugee crisis is a significant issue that affects the bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly regarding humanitarian concerns and border management.

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