The status of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India is irrelevant to Bangladesh’s request for her return, according to Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, Director General and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Public Diplomacy wing. During the weekly briefing on Tuesday, he clarified that the act of requesting her return is unrelated to inquiries about her status in India.

When asked whether Bangladesh had sought to know Sheikh Hasina’s status in India, Rafiqul Alam stated that such inquiries were unnecessary, as it is widely known she is in India. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s demand to bring back its citizen is not contingent upon her status there.

Regarding questions about whether Sheikh Hasina might have accepted Indian citizenship, he avoided speculations, asserting that the matter ends there. He further noted that Sheikh Hasina faces a warrant issued by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity, with a directive for her arrest and court appearance by February 12. Subsequently, on December 23, Bangladesh formally requested her extradition, but India has since extended her visa.

Former diplomats have argued that knowing Hasina’s status in India is critical. If she has taken Indian citizenship, India would likely be unwilling to hand over one of its own citizens to Bangladesh.

Addressing these concerns, Rafiqul Alam noted the complexities of diplomatic processes and indicated that the request for Hasina’s return is under consideration by India. He confirmed that Bangladesh follows standard procedures for notifying other nations of passport cancellations, although specific details on Hasina’s passport were not immediately available.

Responding to queries about India extending Hasina’s visa despite the cancellation of her passport, Rafiqul Alam stated that visa issues are moot if the passport is invalid. He also acknowledged learning about some developments only through the media.

On a separate note, the spokesperson touched on the issue of Indian nationals working in Bangladesh on tourist visas, noting that the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notice setting a timeline for rectifying such irregularities.

Regarding the UN’s inquiry team, Rafiqul Alam mentioned that the Foreign Ministry had coordinated with relevant agencies to provide requested information and that a diplomatic note confirming receipt had been issued by the UN. Additional data from the Ministry of Home Affairs is expected within a week.

He also announced that the Foreign Affairs Adviser would visit China from January 20-24 at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, marking the first bilateral visit since the formation of Bangladesh’s interim government in August. This visit aims to strengthen Bangladesh-China ties, with discussions potentially covering loans, regional security, and the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Specifics on the agenda remain fluid, as adjustments are often made ahead of such visits.