Wednesday, 29 January, 2025
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toufique Hasan has confirmed that the interim government is unhappy with the political remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Toufique said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had communicated Bangladesh’s concerns to the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, as well as directly to the Indian government on multiple occasions.
“The government has clearly expressed its displeasure over the political statements and speeches consistently made by the former prime minister since her departure for India following the August 5 political unrest in Bangladesh,” Toufique explained.
He added that the Indian government had been urged to prevent Hasina from continuing to make such statements, emphasizing that this was important to maintain the historical relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.
Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for over 15 years, left for India on August 5, after a period of intense political turmoil in Dhaka and across the country. Public protests and a growing movement for quota reform had fueled the unrest. Media reports indicate that Hasina left the Ganabhaban in Dhaka via helicopter and flew to Agartala, India, before being transported to Hindon Airport near Delhi. She was accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana.
Since her departure, Hasina has remained in India for the past three months following her resignation. Despite not giving direct media statements, Hasina’s comments have been published under her name on the official Facebook page of the Awami League. Additionally, audio recordings purportedly of Hasina’s phone calls to various political figures—both in Bangladesh and abroad—have circulated in the media. However, the authenticity of these recordings has not been verified.
When asked about India’s response to Bangladesh’s concerns, Toufique stated, “When we raised the issue with the Indian ambassador, he assured us that he would inform his government. However, we have not received an official response yet. They mentioned that they would look into the matter.”
Toufique also addressed issues related to Indian visas, noting that Bangladesh had raised the matter repeatedly with Indian authorities. "India has cited a manpower crisis as a reason for delays. We have requested that they expedite the processing of health visas and those for individuals traveling to third countries. Additionally, we have asked them to streamline the visa application process for students wishing to study in Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland."
This ongoing diplomatic exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s continued influence, even from abroad, and the importance of maintaining stable relations between Bangladesh and India during a period of political instability in the country.
Comments
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Toufique Hasan has confirmed that the interim government is unhappy with the political remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been residing in India since August 5.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Toufique said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had communicated Bangladesh’s concerns to the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, as well as directly to the Indian government on multiple occasions.
“The government has clearly expressed its displeasure over the political statements and speeches consistently made by the former prime minister since her departure for India following the August 5 political unrest in Bangladesh,” Toufique explained.
He added that the Indian government had been urged to prevent Hasina from continuing to make such statements, emphasizing that this was important to maintain the historical relationship and mutual respect between the two countries.
Hasina, who served as Bangladesh’s prime minister for over 15 years, left for India on August 5, after a period of intense political turmoil in Dhaka and across the country. Public protests and a growing movement for quota reform had fueled the unrest. Media reports indicate that Hasina left the Ganabhaban in Dhaka via helicopter and flew to Agartala, India, before being transported to Hindon Airport near Delhi. She was accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana.
Since her departure, Hasina has remained in India for the past three months following her resignation. Despite not giving direct media statements, Hasina’s comments have been published under her name on the official Facebook page of the Awami League. Additionally, audio recordings purportedly of Hasina’s phone calls to various political figures—both in Bangladesh and abroad—have circulated in the media. However, the authenticity of these recordings has not been verified.
When asked about India’s response to Bangladesh’s concerns, Toufique stated, “When we raised the issue with the Indian ambassador, he assured us that he would inform his government. However, we have not received an official response yet. They mentioned that they would look into the matter.”
Toufique also addressed issues related to Indian visas, noting that Bangladesh had raised the matter repeatedly with Indian authorities. "India has cited a manpower crisis as a reason for delays. We have requested that they expedite the processing of health visas and those for individuals traveling to third countries. Additionally, we have asked them to streamline the visa application process for students wishing to study in Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland."
This ongoing diplomatic exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding Sheikh Hasina’s continued influence, even from abroad, and the importance of maintaining stable relations between Bangladesh and India during a period of political instability in the country.
Comments
