Foreign secy-level talks with India
Dhaka likely to raise Hasina's repatriation issue
FE REPORT | Friday, 22 November 2024
Bangladesh might place the issue of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's repatriation from India in the upcoming foreign secretary-level parley between the two neighbouring countries, said the spokesperson for foreign ministry. The bilateral talks are expected to be held in Dhaka in December.
Spokesperson Toufique Hasan, also director general of public diplomacy wing, shared the likely repatriation issue at the ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday.
He said an inter-ministerial meeting took place last Wednesday at the ministry concerned regarding the secretary-level meeting and it was known that the meeting would be held next month.
Responding to a query, Mr Hasan said an opportunity might be there to discuss the issue at the meeting. "Then it might be clear what we really want."
About the extradition treaty for the return of Hasina, he said, "It can't be said at the moment. Only one inter-ministerial meeting is held. There is still plenty of time."
When asked whether the ministry has received any request regarding the return of the ousted PM, he said it was a political issue.
"So, when we're instructed from the highest level, we act accordingly. Actually, we haven't officially received any request yet. I saw through the newspaper that Interpol is being contacted."
"Since it's a foreign affair, it's better to go through the ministry concerned. But we have not received any instruction yet," concluded Mr Hasan.