State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam. File photo

DHAKA, Aug 3, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh on Monday urged India to clarify its position over reports that deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would virtually address an event from India on August 5, saying Dhaka remained committed to building a forward-looking relationship with New Delhi and did not want bilateral ties to be affected.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh expected India to make its position clear on the reported programme, saying that both countries shared an interest in maintaining and strengthening their relationship.

"We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want it to be damaged and I firmly believe that India doesn't want it either. So, India has to make clear whether it supports it or not," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shama said she recently held cordial and constructive talks with newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi with both sides expressing their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.

"We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," she said.

The state minister, however, said that the reported August 5 event was not being organised by the Indian government. She said Dhaka would decide, depending on the circumstances, whether any diplomatic communication with New Delhi was necessary.

"If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she said.

Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from India before the reported programme, Shama reiterated that it was not an initiative of the Indian government.

Bangladesh, she said, had repeatedly conveyed to India, both verbally and in writing, that fugitives or convicted individuals should not be allowed to use Indian territory for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh.

Referring to recent remarks by Indian authorities, she said New Delhi had indicated that it did not expect a fugitive facing charges to make political statements from Indian soil.

Asked whether such activities could affect bilateral relations, Shama said they could, but added that Bangladesh did not want that to happen.

On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, she said Dhaka would continue to pursue balanced and pragmatic relations with all partners based on national interests.

"Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country. We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests," she said.

She said that Bangladesh would continue expanding cooperation with India, China and other countries in areas including trade, investment and bilateral collaboration.

About Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's proposed participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September, Shama said no decision had yet been taken.

"Time will say. I can't tell you now," she said, adding that the prime minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time.