Dhaka, Aug 06 (V7N)- The Government of Bangladesh has expressed deep anger over what it described as the Indian government's decision to allow fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to speak directly to the media in New Delhi.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Bangladesh strongly objected to the media appearance, during which Sheikh Hasina and her associates allegedly made remarks against the Bangladeshi state and its people.

The ministry said Bangladesh had informed the Indian government in advance about the potential negative impact such an event could have on efforts to rebuild bilateral relations, but the event was held nonetheless.

According to the statement, Sheikh Hasina's participation in the media event on Indian soil coincided with the observance of the second anniversary of the July Revolution and was viewed by the government as an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty and a disrespect to those who lost their lives during the movement.

The ministry further alleged that Sheikh Hasina's comments sought to deny findings related to the violence during the July-August 2024 events and described the remarks as an attempt to rewrite history.

It also stated that the people of Bangladesh had rejected such attempts in the past and remained committed to the ideals of the July Revolution, pledging that the country would not return to authoritarian rule.

Referring to bilateral relations, the ministry said Bangladesh had repeatedly requested India's cooperation in returning Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 extradition treaty between the two countries but had not yet received a response.

According to the statement, allowing Sheikh Hasina to address the media has deeply hurt public sentiment in Bangladesh and could negatively affect efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Bangladesh and India.

The statement reflects the official position of the Government of Bangladesh. Indian authorities had not publicly responded to the ministry's allegations at the time of reporting.

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