Bangladesh Summons Indian Envoy Over Media Access Granted to 'Fugitive' Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe in Dhaka to formally lodge a serious diplomatic protest. The protest centers on the Indian government allowing "absconding premier Sheikh Hasina" access to mainstream Indian media outlets.

High-level diplomatic sources indicated that the ministry strongly conveyed that facilitating a "notorious fugitive"—who is currently under trial for committing crimes against humanity with a platform to "spew hatred and advocate terrorist acts" inside Bangladesh is fundamentally unhelpful to fostering a constructive bilateral relationship.

The Indian diplomat was explicitly asked to relay Bangladesh’s request to New Delhi for the immediate discontinuation of Hasina's access to media, emphasizing the country's profound concern over the matter.