Bangladesh has expressed dissatisfaction with the political remarks made by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her stay in India.

Director General of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Toufiq Hasan, said this during a weekly media briefing on Thursday (November 14).

Toufiq Hasan informed journalists that Bangladesh has repeatedly communicated with the Indian High Commission, making it clear to New Delhi that the Bangladesh government is dissatisfied with Sheikh Hasina’s political comments reported by various media outlets since her departure to India on August 5.

"We have conveyed strong dissatisfaction to the Indian government, urging them to discourage the former Prime Minister from making such statements," said Toufiq Hasan. 

He also emphasized the importance of preserving the historical relationship and mutual respect between the two countries, suggesting that it would be prudent to prevent any comments that might affect these ties.

When asked if the Bangladesh government had any initiative concerning Indian visa issues, Toufiq Hasan mentioned that Bangladesh has held multiple discussions with India on visa-related problems. 

He said India attributed the delays to a manpower shortage, and Bangladesh has requested them to provide double-entry and emergency medical visas to address issues with visas for third countries. Additionally, the Indian High Commission has been requested to ease visa applications for Romania, Bulgaria, and Finland.

He further stated that arrangements have been made to allow Bangladeshi students to apply for Bulgarian visas outside of Delhi, with alternative options now available in Hanoi and Jakarta.

BDST: 1742 HRS, NOV 14, 2024
MSK/SMS