Jaiswal said Bangladesh High Commission can be asked about Sheikh Hasina's passport
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Photo taken from a video stream
Lawyers for deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who intends to return to Bangladesh, have written to the High Commission seeking her passport and national identity card. When India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked about the matter, he said the question should be put to the Bangladesh High Commission.
Jaiswal made the remark at a fortnightly press briefing in Delhi on Tuesday. In response to a journalist's question, he said, "It would be better to ask your question to the Bangladesh High Commission. They will be able to inform you of their position on the matter."
Regarding Bangladesh's request to bring Sheikh Hasina back, Jaiswal again said the matter would be dealt with legal channels.
At the briefing, Jaiswal was asked whether it is possible to send someone back (extradite them) without a passport. In reply, Jaiswal said, "You are asking a technical question. This is a legal matter, and it will be looked at accordingly. Naturally, people need travel documents for movement. At least, that is my understanding. However, this is a technical question."
He remarked, "We have said before as well that this (extradition) is a legal process. It will be settled through legal means."
Since the Awami League government was ousted in the face of the July mass uprising in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina has been staying in New Delhi.
Subsequently, the International Crimes Tribunal conducted proceedings in her absence. In a case concerning the July-August 2024 crackdown, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death.
At the briefing, a question was asked about a Chinese national's vlog in Uttara, Dhaka, and the promotion of certain areas of Dhaka as India. In response, Jaiswal said India's attention had been drawn to reports published in the media on the matter. He called on the relevant authorities to take action against those involved in the incident.
Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports in the media on this matter. Such attempts to portray a distorted image of any country are unfortunate. We call for action against the individuals behind showing Dhaka as Delhi."
When asked about the future of the India-Bangladesh Ganges water-sharing treaty, Jaiswal said he had no new information on the matter. It may be noted that the treaty is due to expire on December 12, 2026.
In previous briefings, Jaiswal had said that, like other transboundary rivers, the matter of Ganges water sharing is discussed and resolved through the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC).
When asked whether Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will visit India in November or December, Jaiswal also said he had no new information on the matter.
