Staff Reporter :
The Foreign Ministry said that the extradition of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a political decision and diplomatic process and the interim government would continue to urge the India to send her back for facing the trials.
The Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, came up with the statement during the weekly briefing at the Ministry on Thursday.
“The matter of urging India to repatriate former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina depends on political decision and diplomatic process. It is a kind of both. Such an appeal will be made based on those decisions,” he said.
The spokesperson said that the diplomatic letter sent to India regarding Sheikh Hasina’s repatriation included complete documents and relevant information.
He added that Bangladesh would continue to remain hopeful until a response is received from India.
In response to a question, he mentioned that issuing a red notice for Sheikh Hasina’s repatriation falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mentioning a relevant statement of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, he said, “Chief Adviser stated that a reminder would be sent. When the political leadership would think it right time, it would be sent.”
Addressing another question, the spokesperson said that the UN Fact-Finding Mission’s report on human rights violations during the July-August coup is known worldwide.
“There is no relevance in sharing this report with India. The report is for Bangladesh’s internal use,” he said adding that the report is bound to stir emotions in anyone who reads it.
In reply to a question about Chain’s objection to misinformation on textbooks, he said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka conveyed
its objection to Bangladesh regarding a boundary line mentioned in a survey and inconsistencies in information and maps used in textbooks through a diplomatic letter dated November 28, 2024.
“In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the relevant authorities to review the matter and take necessary actions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining regular communication with the concerned authorities regarding the progress of this issue,” he said.
In reply to another question regarding the meeting between Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and his Indian counterpart at the sideline of the 4th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), the Spokesperson said Foreign Affairs Adviser will attend the conference upon the invitation of the Foreign Ministers of Oman and India.
“During the visit, the foreign adviser is expected to meet key political leaders of Oman and hold bilateral discussions with prominent political leaders from India and other countries on the sidelines of the conference,” he said.
The conference ogansied in collaboration with the Government of Oman and the Ministry of External Affairs of India will be held in Muscat, Oman, on February 16-17 This year’s conference agenda includes discussions on maritime partnerships, amplifying the voice of the Global South, protecting maritime economic interests, and strengthening maritime supply chains.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser is scheduled to participate in the plenary session on strengthening maritime supply chains.
Since its inception in 2016, the IOC has been held annually, with Bangladesh hosting the 6th conference in 2023.
Constructive discussions with participating countries at the conference are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in addressing regional challenges.
