'Stop Hasina from making speeches': Indian envoy summoned, handed protest note

Bangladesh today (6 February) lodged a strong protest against "false and fabricated statements" made by the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, urging India – where she is currently hiding – to prevent her from making such speeches.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged the protest against comments and statements continuously being made on different platforms including social media, by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, instigating instability in Bangladesh, reads a press statement.

The ministry summoned Indian Acting High Commissioner in Dhaka Pawan Badhe, handing him the note which conveyed the "deep concern, disappointment and serious reservation of Bangladesh as such statements are hurting the sentiments of the people in Bangladesh". 

Meanwhile, responding to a question at a press briefing today, Foreign Adviser Touhid said Hasina's recent remarks were very attacking, which might have hurt the young generation's sentiments.

"We will see what steps India takes," Hossain said, adding that Dhaka keeps requesting India to ensure Hasina refrains from such activities.

The ministry in its note also emphasised that such activities by Hasina are considered as a hostile act towards Bangladesh and are not conducive to the efforts at establishing a healthy relationship between the two countries. 

The foreign affairs ministry requested India to immediately take appropriate measures, in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding, to stop her from making such false, fabricated and incendiary statements using social media and other communications while she is in India.

When asked about signed agreements with India, the foreign adviser said the deal with Adani was not a good one, and it was not done protecting Bangladesh's interests.

He also said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will pay a brief official visit to the United Arab Emirates where issues of mutual interest will be discussed, including visa issues.