'Time to act' on bringing Hasina back has not yet arrived: MoFA spokesperson
Published :
Dec 05, 2024 22:45
Updated :
Dec 05, 2024 22:45
Although discussions have been going on about taking steps to bring former premier Sheikh Hasina back from India, the foreign ministry has said the time is not yet right for it to step in.
An arrest warrant has been issued for her by the International Crimes Tribunal.
During the foreign ministry's weekly briefing, spokesperson Rafiqul Alam noted that the ministry is not the sole “partner” in the initiative to repatriate her, as other ministries are also involved, bdnews24.com reports.
“The time for us to play our role has not yet come. When the time for us to play our role comes, we will do it,” he said.
Hasina has been in India since the ouster of the Awami League government on August 5.
The International Crimes Tribunal is currently trying several leaders, including the Awami League president, on charges related to "mass killings" during the July-August mass uprisings.
On October 18, the tribunal ordered Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and other accused individuals to appear before the court within a month.
Following that order, the foreign affairs advisor said: “Just five minutes before I entered the room, the paper had reached me. We will definitely take necessary measures.
“The court has given a month’s time. Meanwhile, we will definitely try to bring her back, we will do whatever is necessary for us.”
Despite over a month and a half passing, the foreign ministry has not shown any visible efforts to bring Hasina back.
The ministry's spokesperson has continued to state that the foreign ministry will only act after receiving formal instructions from another ministry.
When asked whether such instructions had been received, Rafiqul responded: “As far as I know, no instructions have been received so far.”
Since the Hasina government’s fall, there has been noticeable tension and hostility in Bangladesh's relations with India.
Both nations have issued conflicting statements about the persecution of minority Hindus in Bangladesh.
A foreign secretary-level meeting between the two countries is scheduled to take place in Dhaka on December 9, with the aim of easing tensions and revitalising relations.
External Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri will represent India at the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) a platform for regular dialogue between foreign secretaries.
Bangladesh’s delegation will be led by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin.
Discussing the FOC agenda, Rafiqul said: “In any FOC, efforts are made to keep all the elements that exist in the bilateral relationship. Both sides need consent while setting the agenda.”
He indicated that large-scale issues such as trade, borders, connectivity, and water as well as recent developments are likely to be addressed.
“There are certainly many more elements besides this. But I do not have more information than this at the moment,” he added.
The interim government has refrained from opposing India’s decision to grant Hasina asylum but has urged her not to make any “political statements” from there, which could destabilise Bangladesh.
In response to an enquiry about whether India had responded to the diplomatic note previously sent, Rafiqul said, “I do not know whether any response has come from India.”
Reports surfaced on Thursday in several media outlets suggesting that Awami League leaders and activists are planning a rally in London, with party chief Hasina expected to address it virtually.
When asked whether the foreign ministry was aware of this meeting and how India was facilitating her involvement, he replied, “We know through newspapers.
“How it is being facilitated, it is not a matter for me to give a statement. She is in India, and their government can tell us better about how they’re handling the situation.”
Bangladesh Defense
