Sheikh Hasina’s Virtual Political Activity from India Draws Diplomatic and Legal Scrutiny
Two years after being removed from power during the historic student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, banned Awami League President Sheikh Hasina continues to communicate with party supporters from India through online platforms and social media, raising diplomatic questions and attracting close legal scrutiny in Bangladesh.
Online Coordination from Exile
According to available information and analyses, Hasina first participated in a virtual meeting with grassroots activists and senior party leaders in September 2024, shortly after leaving Bangladesh.
Since then, she has released several audio messages across digital platforms, including a special online address marking the first anniversary of her ouster on August 5, 2025. Reports also indicate that she has been coordinating the reorganization of district and upazila-level party committees through virtual channels.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed the Indian Parliament that Indian territory has not been permitted to be used for Sheikh Hasina's political activities.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the International Crimes Tribunal and the High Court have ordered the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and digital platforms to prohibit the dissemination of any speeches or political content considered to promote hatred on behalf of Sheikh Hasina.
AI, Voice Cloning, and Public Speculation
The continued publication of audio-only messages—without any recent live video appearances or current photographs—has fueled widespread public curiosity and debate.
Technology analysts and political observers have questioned whether some of the circulated recordings could have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) and voice-cloning technologies.
The uncertainty has been further amplified by the fact that, despite ongoing tribunal proceedings and legal cases, no appeals have reportedly been filed by the defense against certain tribunal decisions.
During this period of uncertainty, anonymous online pages and groups associated with party supporters have continued organizing flash processions, virtual protest campaigns, and other demonstrations. At the same time, security agencies have intensified digital surveillance following incidents involving the recovery of improvised explosive devices and alleged sabotage attempts.
Virtual Press Conference Reported in New Delhi
According to a report by India Today, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC) organized a virtual audio/digital press conference at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road in New Delhi.
FCC President Dr. Waiel Awwad confirmed that Sheikh Hasina participated virtually in the session alongside her son and former ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, as well as former Member of Parliament and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, among other participants joining digitally.
Legal Restrictions Remain in Force
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal continues to enforce restrictions on broadcasting or publishing any speeches or messages by Sheikh Hasina that are deemed inflammatory or intended to incite hatred.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that any media outlet or social media platform disseminating such content could be held in contempt of court.
The BTRC is monitoring digital platforms and has taken measures to block content considered provocative or inflammatory.
Authorities have also maintained heightened nationwide security following a series of flash processions, attempted acts of sabotage, and the recovery of explosive devices that allegedly occurred after the circulation of Hasina's virtual messages.
//DBTech/SI/SME/OR//
Two years after being removed from power during the historic student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, banned Awami League President Sheikh Hasina continues to communicate with party supporters from India through online platforms and social media, raising diplomatic questions and attracting close legal scrutiny in Bangladesh.
Online Coordination from Exile
According to available information and analyses, Hasina first participated in a virtual meeting with grassroots activists and senior party leaders in September 2024, shortly after leaving Bangladesh.
Since then, she has released several audio messages across digital platforms, including a special online address marking the first anniversary of her ouster on August 5, 2025. Reports also indicate that she has been coordinating the reorganization of district and upazila-level party committees through virtual channels.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has informed the Indian Parliament that Indian territory has not been permitted to be used for Sheikh Hasina's political activities.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the International Crimes Tribunal and the High Court have ordered the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and digital platforms to prohibit the dissemination of any speeches or political content considered to promote hatred on behalf of Sheikh Hasina.
AI, Voice Cloning, and Public Speculation
The continued publication of audio-only messages—without any recent live video appearances or current photographs—has fueled widespread public curiosity and debate.
Technology analysts and political observers have questioned whether some of the circulated recordings could have been created using artificial intelligence (AI) and voice-cloning technologies.
The uncertainty has been further amplified by the fact that, despite ongoing tribunal proceedings and legal cases, no appeals have reportedly been filed by the defense against certain tribunal decisions.
During this period of uncertainty, anonymous online pages and groups associated with party supporters have continued organizing flash processions, virtual protest campaigns, and other demonstrations. At the same time, security agencies have intensified digital surveillance following incidents involving the recovery of improvised explosive devices and alleged sabotage attempts.
Virtual Press Conference Reported in New Delhi
According to a report by India Today, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC) organized a virtual audio/digital press conference at the Sir Mark Tully Auditorium on Mathura Road in New Delhi.
FCC President Dr. Waiel Awwad confirmed that Sheikh Hasina participated virtually in the session alongside her son and former ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, as well as former Member of Parliament and cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, among other participants joining digitally.
Legal Restrictions Remain in Force
Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal continues to enforce restrictions on broadcasting or publishing any speeches or messages by Sheikh Hasina that are deemed inflammatory or intended to incite hatred.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman stated that any media outlet or social media platform disseminating such content could be held in contempt of court.
The BTRC is monitoring digital platforms and has taken measures to block content considered provocative or inflammatory.
Authorities have also maintained heightened nationwide security following a series of flash processions, attempted acts of sabotage, and the recovery of explosive devices that allegedly occurred after the circulation of Hasina's virtual messages.
//DBTech/SI/SME/OR//
