The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to receive any formal instructions regarding the repatriation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently residing in India, according to the Public Diplomacy Wing Director General Toufique Hasan.
In response to a question from journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (20 October), he confirmed the absence of official directives concerning Sheikh Hasina's return.
On the same day, the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma held a meeting with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
Toufique Hasan clarified, "We have not yet received any formal instructions to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, we do not have any official information regarding her current status in India."
When asked whether the meeting between Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and High Commissioner Pranay Verma touched upon the issue of Sheikh Hasina's return, Hasan said, "No such discussions took place."
Recently, the spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that Sheikh Hasina is in India as a state guest, not as a political refugee.
Randhir Jaiswal remarked that the Indian government is aware of the decisions taken by the government of Bangladesh regarding Sheikh Hasina.
However, for security reasons, she will continue to remain in India. He further emphasised that there has been no change in India's stance on the matter.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser has indicated that measures will be taken to facilitate Sheikh Hasina's return from India.
