Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randeep Jaiswal, confirmed that former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina is currently in India and will remain there.
This announcement came in response to a question from journalists during the ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday (17 October).
Jaiswal stated, “Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on very short notice due to security reasons, and she is still here.”
Speculation surrounding Sheikh Hasina's location has been rampant, with various Bangladeshi media outlets suggesting she may have moved to the United Arab Emirates.
Reports also surfaced regarding the Indian government issuing her “travel documents.”
When questioned about the accuracy of these claims, Jaiswal reiterated that Sheikh Hasina had come to India for security reasons and confirmed that she continues to be in the country.
Furthermore, arrest warrants have been issued against Sheikh Hasina, along with 45 others, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.
They have been ordered to appear in court by 18 November.
Journalists sought the spokesperson's opinion on India’s stance regarding these warrants, to which Jaiswal responded that they had seen the report but declined to comment further.
Additionally, inquiries regarding the interim government's decision to cancel eight national holidays, including the 7 March and 17 March observances, did not elicit a response from the spokesperson.
Since Sheikh Hasina's departure from Bangladesh, visa processing for Bangladeshis in India has not normalised.
In response to questions about the prospects of restoring normalcy, Jaiswal stated, “Visas are being issued on a limited basis for urgent and medical needs. Improvements in law and order will likely lead to better visa processing in the future.”
