Two years after the July Uprising, Bangladesh’s only political consensus may be distrust of India

Wednesday, August 5, marks two years since Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended in a student-led uprising that raised hopes of a new political beginning for Bangladesh.

The anniversary comes as Hasina is set to make her first public appearance since fleeing to India. She is scheduled to speak at an online event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi, alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan.

The planned appearance has drawn a strong response from Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh had asked India to clarify its position, warning that allowing a “fugitive” to engage in political activities from Indian soil could affect the recent improvement in bilateral ties.

“India has to be clear about its stance,” she said, adding Dhaka would pursue the matter diplomatically if needed.

The issue is particularly sensitive because Bangladesh has been seeking Hasina’s extradition since she fled the country two years ago.

Last year, a tribunal sentenced her to death for crimes against humanity over the 2024 crackdown, which the United Nations estimated killed up to 1,400 people. Hasina has rejected the verdict as invalid and has repeatedly declared in recent weeks that she intends to return to Bangladesh in December.

For Dhaka, therefore, Hasina’s appearance in New Delhi is more than just another public event.

It also serves...

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