POBNEWS24, Desk report Dhaka Dec 6, 2025 : Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has opened up about the stay in New Delhi of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who went into exile in India amid a massive student movement, at the helm.
Speaking to the Indian media on Saturday, Jaishankar said that the ousted former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to India under ‘specific circumstances’ and how long she will stay in India is entirely her own decision.
Jaishankar said that the circumstances that led to Hasina coming to India are now influencing her decision.
In August last year, Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended in a mass uprising by students and the public in Bangladesh. Hundreds of people lost their lives and thousands were injured in the massive violence that took place during that time. Sheikh Hasina was forced to go into exile in India as the situation spiraled out of control.
Speaking to the media at the HT Leadership Summit on Saturday (December 6), he said that Sheikh Hasina will be welcomed to stay in India ‘for as long as she wants’?
In response, Jaishankar said, “Look, this is a different matter, isn’t it? He has come here in a particular situation and I think that situation is clearly a big issue in terms of what will happen to him. But again, this is a matter where he will have to make up his mind and take a decision.”
Discussing Bangladesh’s past politics, the Indian foreign minister said, “What we have heard is that the people of Bangladesh, especially those who are in power now, had objections to the way the elections were held earlier. If elections are the main issue now, then the first thing to do should be to organize a fair election.”
