State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. File Photo

DHAKA, Aug 6, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today urged India to clarify its position on the activities of convicted disposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Awami League leaders from Indian territory. 

"If the autocratic, fascist, convicted Awami League leaders and the head of the Awami League, sitting on Indian soil, continue to carry out such conspiratorial activities, and if the Indian government does not stop it right now, it will certainly create a cause for concern for the people of Bangladesh," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this evening.

The state minister said Bangladesh had already conveyed its concerns to New Delhi through official diplomatic channels and urged India to take a clear position on the issue.

"You have seen our statement. In the statement, we have said and tried to convey as much as a country can in diplomatic language. And before that, we have repeatedly said that India's position should be clear about what kind of relationship it wants with Bangladesh," she said.

Referring to Sheikh Hasina, Shama said when "a convicted criminal" was allowed to make such remarks from Indian soil, it naturally raised concerns in Bangladesh regarding the future of bilateral ties.

She, however, stressed that Dhaka remained committed to maintaining constructive relations with New Delhi and would continue dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

"We want good relations in the interest of the people of both countries. But the relationship has to be based on equality, mutual respect and dignity," she said, urging India to be more sensitive to the sentiments of the people of Bangladesh while taking future decisions.

The state minister alleged that the Awami League, whose political activities are currently banned in Bangladesh, was attempting to revive what she described as an old narrative linking Bangladesh to militancy in an effort to attract international attention.

"This theory of militancy is the old dirty politics of the Awami League. They are now trying to do it again on foreign soil. Whether India will allow it or not... it is up to the Indian government to decide," she said.

Rejecting allegations of militancy in Bangladesh, Shama said the country had an elected government enjoying public support and such claims lacked credibility both at home and abroad.

She also criticised the Awami League's record on democracy and human rights, saying allegations of democracy and human rights coming from the party were "ridiculous" in view of accusations of enforced disappearances and killings during its rule.

The state minister said the people of Bangladesh remained united against any return of what she termed fascism.

Despite the current concerns, she reiterated Bangladesh's interest in strengthening ties with India, noting that the two neighbours shared a wide range of bilateral issues, including water, energy and border management, which required continued dialogue and cooperation.

"A country has many aspects to its relationship with another country. We need to have a lot of dialogue with them. We have cooperation on energy, we have a major issue with them over water, and there are issues on the border - these have to be resolved through discussions," she added.

Replying to a question on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's possible participation in a future BRICS Summit, Shama said Bangladesh remained interested in engaging with the grouping, while any decision on the prime minister's attendance would depend on his schedule.

"Bangladesh is currently chairing BIMSTEC. BRICS is a multilateral organisation in which Bangladesh is definitely interested in participating. Whether the Prime Minister will participate in it or not... that decision will have to be taken by him according to his schedule," she said.