International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to make her first public media appearance in India since leaving office nearly two years ago.
Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina will speak at the FCC South Asia in New Delhi on August 5, 2026, marking her first public media appearance since leaving office in August 2024. She plans to discuss her political future amidst significant political changes in Bangladesh, including the formation of a BNP-led government.
She will be addressing journalists through a video conferencing hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) South Asia in New Delhi. She is expected to speak about her future political plans and the possibility of returning to Bangladesh.
The event marks Hasina’s first major public engagement since her government was removed from power following widespread student-led protests in 2024.
First Major Public Appearance Since Leaving Bangladesh
It must be noted that the virtual interaction is scheduled for August 5, 2026, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium in New Delhi. The programme will also be streamed live on the social media platforms of FCC South Asia.
Since arriving in India after her government was overthrown, Hasina has largely remained out of the public eye and has not addressed the media in an open forum.
Why Did Sheikh Hasina Leave Bangladesh?
Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, after large-scale student protests against the country’s quota system grew into a nationwide anti-government movement. The demonstrations eventually led to widespread unrest, with protesters entering and damaging several government buildings in Dhaka.
As the situation deteriorated, Hasina left Bangladesh for India, bringing an end to her nearly 16-year tenure as Prime Minister.
Who Will Participate in the Event?
Several well-known Bangladeshi personalities are expected to join the discussion.
The panel includes:
- Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Sheikh Hasina’s son and former ICT adviser.
- Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel, former Education Minister of Bangladesh.
- Mahammad Ali Siddique, General Secretary of Bangladesh Human Rights Watch.
- Former Bangladesh cricketer and ex-MP Shakib Al Hasan.
- Former diplomat and security analyst Aminul Hoque Polash.
- Political and counterterrorism analyst Abu Obaidha Arin.
- Shah Md Bakhtiar, Director of Bangladesh Human Rights Watch USA.
- The session will be chaired by Dr. Waiel Awwad, President of FCC South Asia and the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC).
Bangladesh’s Political Landscape Has Changed
Bangladesh has witnessed major political developments since Sheikh Hasina’s exit.
Following the protests, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus governed the country until the 2026 general election.
The election resulted in the formation of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The new government has continued legal proceedings against several leaders associated with the former Awami League administration.
Meanwhile, the Awami League’s political activities remain suspended under Bangladesh’s anti-terrorism law while related court proceedings continue.
