Staff Reporter :
The interim government has been unable to determine the exact location of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after stepping down on August 5 following a student-led uprising. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain revealed on Tuesday that efforts are underway to confirm whether she has left India.
Speaking to the media, Hossain stated, “I have seen reports on social media suggesting that Sheikh Hasina has traveled to Ajman in the UAE. We are currently inquiring with authorities in both Delhi and Abu Dhabi to verify her location. However, we still cannot confirm if she has left India.”
Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position on August 5 amid mounting pressure from student protests and fled to India with her sister, Sheikh Rehana. Recently, rumors have circulated on social media that she has moved to the United Arab Emirates.
When asked about these reports, Hossain noted, “We have made inquiries in both India and the UAE, but no definitive information has been received so far.”
The adviser also addressed speculation about whether the United States pressured India to relocate Sheikh Hasina to another country.
He suggested contacting the U.S. government for clarification on this matter.
Hossain emphasized that if the court orders Sheikh Hasina’s return to face charges, the government will take appropriate steps to bring her back to Bangladesh.
Since the collapse of the Awami League government, several ministers, politicians, and citizens have fled the country, many to India. Their passports have been revoked, raising concerns about how they might return to Bangladesh.
Regarding this, the Foreign Affairs Adviser stated, “The government will not issue new passports to those whose passports have been canceled. However, travel passes may be provided, but only for returning to Bangladesh, not for traveling to other countries.”
Hossain clarified that Bangladeshi missions can issue travel passes solely for returning home, not for further international travel. “A valid passport is required for travel to other countries, and new passports will not be issued. If they wish to return to Bangladesh, they can be issued travel passes,” he added.
In terms of repatriation, Hossain mentioned that a list has been made of Bangladeshi expatriates in Lebanon who wish to return home due to the ongoing conflict. “We have asked them to move away from war zones and requested the International Organisation for Migration to arrange flights for their return,” he said.
He also highlighted the difficulties in arranging flights from Beirut, noting that the airport has become risky. “We are exploring alternative routes for safe passage,” he added.
Meanwhile, regarding the visa process for Italy, Hossain mentioned that efforts are being made to issue 20,000 visas by December for those wishing to travel there.