New Delhi: India has said it has no involvement in the planned virtual address by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, even as Dhaka continues to seek clarification over the event that has become the latest point of diplomatic discussion between the two neighbouring countries.

The statement comes ahead of Hasina's proposed online speech on August 5, a date that marks two years since the student led uprising that forced her from power in Bangladesh. The event is expected to be held virtually from New Delhi, where Hasina has been staying since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024.

Bangladesh had earlier asked India to clarify its position on the planned address, saying it was concerned that political activities by the former prime minister from Indian territory could affect bilateral relations. Dhaka has also pointed to its continuing legal proceedings against Hasina and its request for her extradition.

Responding to the issue, India has made it clear that it is not connected to the organisation or content of the planned virtual speech. New Delhi has indicated that the event is not being hosted or supported by the Indian government, distancing itself from the programme.

The speech is expected to be delivered during an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia in New Delhi. If it goes ahead as scheduled, it will be Hasina's first major public appearance since leaving Bangladesh nearly two years ago. She is expected to speak about the political developments that led to her removal from office and the situation in Bangladesh since then.

Bangladesh has maintained that the issue extends beyond a single speech. Officials say they want greater clarity on India's overall position regarding political activities by former leaders who are living in the country after leaving office. Dhaka believes the matter has implications for the future of relations between the two nations.

The interim government in Bangladesh continues to pursue legal action against Hasina and has repeatedly sought her extradition from India. Officials in Dhaka say the requests remain active and that they expect India to deal with them through diplomatic and legal channels.

India has not announced any change in its position regarding the extradition request. It has previously stated that the matter is being considered under existing legal procedures. At the same time, New Delhi has emphasised that it is not involved in organising or promoting Hasina's planned virtual address.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have remained sensitive since the political transition in Dhaka in 2024. While both governments have expressed interest in maintaining constructive ties, the presence of Sheikh Hasina in India has remained a recurring source of diplomatic discussion.

Political analysts say India's decision to publicly distance itself from the planned event is aimed at making clear that the programme is not an official government initiative. However, the controversy surrounding the speech continues to attract attention because of its timing and the political significance of August 5 in Bangladesh.

As of Tuesday, there was no indication that the virtual event had been cancelled or postponed. Organisers have not announced any changes, and Sheikh Hasina's address remains scheduled to take place. Bangladesh is awaiting further communication from India while both countries continue to manage an issue that has become another sensitive chapter in their evolving relationship.