Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain confirmed Monday evening that Bangladesh continues to wait for India’s formal response regarding the repatriation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country on August 5 last year following mass protests.
Speaking to journalists at Dhaka’s Foreign Service Academy, Hossain revealed that while judicial proceedings against Hasina have commenced independently, no positive reply has arrived from New Delhi despite Bangladesh’s official request for her return to face trial.
The adviser addressed multiple pressing diplomatic matters during the briefing, including the upcoming August 23 visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishak Dar.
Hossain stated that all outstanding issues from the 1971 conflict, including potential reparations and public apologies, would feature in bilateral discussions, emphasising the interim government’s “realistic approach” to relations with Islamabad.
Border tensions with India dominated part of the discussion, with Hossain strongly condemning New Delhi’s continued “push-in” of individuals across shared frontiers as a violation of established protocols. He clarified Bangladesh’s official position that any citizens residing illegally in India should follow proper verification and repatriation procedures, confirming that Dhaka has lodged formal protests against the current irregular practices.
When questioned about potential international assistance to secure Hasina’s return, Hossain maintained that while the government remains open to cooperation, no immediate need exists for third-party involvement.
His comments come alongside other significant domestic developments, including Tuesday’s scheduled opening of Kaptai Lake floodgates and DMP’s traffic advisories for the capital, as the administration balances diplomatic priorities with ongoing governance responsibilities.