NPN

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina is set to appear openly before the media in India for the first time since her government was ousted from power. She will participate in a virtual event organized in New Delhi on August 5, where she will discuss her future plans and the prospects of returning to Bangladesh. The event is being organized by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia. It will take place from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road, New Delhi. The event will also be broadcast live on the club's social media platforms. **First major public appearance since ouster from power** This event is being held to mark the second anniversary of the fall of Sheikh Hasina's 15-year-long rule. The student movement against the quota system, which began on August 5, 2024, had escalated into a nationwide anti-government protest. Following the occupation of government buildings by protesters and incidents of violence, Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Bangladesh and come to India, bringing an end to her nearly 16-year tenure. Since arriving in India, Sheikh Hasina had maintained a distance from public events and the media. Consequently, this is considered her first major public address since stepping down from power. **Many prominent Bangladeshi figures to participate** Alongside Sheikh Hasina, several prominent Bangladeshi political leaders, former ministers, diplomats, and analysts will participate in the event. These include her son and former ICT Advisor to Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy; former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel; General Secretary of Bangladesh Human Rights Watch, Mohammad Ali Siddiqui; former cricketer and former MP Shakib Al Hasan; former diplomat and security expert Aminul Haque Palash; political and counter-terrorism analyst Abu Obaida Arin; and Director of Bangladesh Human Rights Watch USA, Shah MD Bakhtiar. The event will be presided over by Dr. Waiel Awwad, President of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia and the International Association of Press Clubs. The political landscape in Bangladesh has changed. A major shift has occurred in Bangladeshi politics following Sheikh Hasina's departure from power. The term of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus concluded after the general elections held in February 2026. Subsequently, a government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was formed, with Tarique Rahman becoming the Prime Minister. The new government has continued legal action against several leaders of the Awami League. Meanwhile, a ban on the Awami League's political activities remains in effect under the country's anti-terrorism laws, pending the completion of ongoing court proceedings.