Party urges govt to step up efforts to bring the former prime minister back to Bangladesh

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has described India’s decision to allow former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in the country, to address a press conference in New Delhi as a “gross violation” of diplomatic norms.

In a statement issued on Friday, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that the Indian government was disregarding Bangladesh’s diplomatic appeals by continuing to shelter Hasina. He also urged the government to take more effective steps to bring her back to Bangladesh.

Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in a crimes against humanity case, addressed a press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday night (August 5), coinciding with the second anniversary of the July Uprising. The Bangladesh government has already expressed strong resentment over the development.

In the statement sent by Jamaat’s central publicity department, Porwar said Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining diplomatic relations with all countries, including neighbouring India, on the basis of mutual respect and equality. He added that Bangladesh also respects the independence and sovereignty of other nations.

He alleged that Hasina was continuing to conspire against the people of Bangladesh from New Delhi, and India had ignored Bangladesh’s diplomatic requests to stop such activities and continued to provide her with shelter.

“This is a gross violation of international norms and diplomatic etiquette,” Porwar said.

Referring to repeated requests by the interim government for Hasina’s extradition, the Jamaat leader said India appeared to be patronising the Awami League — whose activities remain banned — instead of standing by Bangladesh.

He also alleged that India was disregarding the existing bilateral prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries.

“We expect the Indian government to revise its position and hand over convicted Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh,” Porwar said.

Claiming that the current government has so far failed to bring Hasina back to the country, he called for more effective measures, including seeking an Interpol red notice and assistance from the United Nations.

“If the government shows diplomatic laxity, it will have to answer to the people,” Porwar added.