Sheikh Hasina to Make First Public Appearance in India Since Leaving Office
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister to Address Virtual Event on August 5; Taslima Nasrin Calls for Her Return
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public appearance since relocating to India nearly two years ago. She is scheduled to speak at a virtual event organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia), where she is expected to discuss her political future, the possibility of returning to Bangladesh, and other current issues.
The event will be held on August 5, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium in New Delhi. It will also be streamed live on FCC South Asia’s social media platforms.
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The appearance coincides with the second anniversary of the political upheaval that led to Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh in August 2024. Since leaving office, she has not participated in any public political event or media engagement, making this her first major public address after her removal from power.
According to the event invitation, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT Adviser to the Prime Minister, former Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former Bangladesh national cricketer and ex-MP Shakib Al Hasan, along with several former Bangladeshi politicians, diplomats, and distinguished personalities, are also expected to participate.
Meanwhile, at a separate event in Kolkata, author Taslima Nasrin criticized the ban on the Awami League in Bangladesh. She said that banning a major political party is inconsistent with democratic principles and argued that Awami League leaders and activists living abroad should be allowed to return home with proper security guarantees.
Referring to Sheikh Hasina, Taslima Nasrin said she wishes to return to Bangladesh. While expressing uncertainty about whether that would be possible, she maintained that her return would be important for the democratic process. Nasrin also noted that although she had criticized several of Sheikh Hasina’s policies while she was in office, she believes the former prime minister should have the opportunity to return and participate in the country’s political process.
