Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
The Bangladesh government is not pleased with various statements and remarks made by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, staying in India.
Replying to a question during a weekly media briefing on Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Toufique Hasan added that the government has taken up the issue with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh and the Indian government on several occasions. We have said that since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh amid the August 5 uprising and went to India, her consistent political statements and remarks in the Indian media are not viewed favourably by the Bangladesh government.
“Along with expressing strong dissatisfaction, the Bangladesh government has urged the Indian government to prevent the former prime minister from making such statements.”
Toufique emphasized that it is extremely important to stop her from making such remarks, considering the historical relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.
When asked if the Indian authorities have responded on the matter, he replied: “When we raised the issue with the Indian High commissioner, he mentioned that he would inform his government. But we have not received an official response. They have indicated that they will look into it.”
Regarding whether Hasina will be repatriated from India, as an arrest warrant has been issued for her, the spokesperson said: “This is a political decision. If the relevant ministry informs us, we will take the appropriate steps. However, we have not been informed in this regard.”
On the issue of visa complications with India, he said: “We have repeatedly raised this matter with Indian authorities, and they have mentioned that they are facing staff shortages.”
He also mentioned that Bangladesh has requested the Indian authorities to expedite the process for health and third-country travel visas, and has also urged India to ease visa procedures for students wishing to travel to Romania, Bulgaria and Finland.
