Staff Reporter:
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain yesterday said Bangladesh would bring back any of its na-tionals detained in India, but verification is required to confirm their citizenship.
“If anyone detained in India is proven to be a Bangladeshi national, we will certainly bring them back,” he told reporters at the foreign ministry yesterday afternoon.
However, Hossain said, whether they are Bangladeshis or not is a matter that must be verified.
Responding to queries regarding reports of Bangladeshis being detained in India, the adviser said, “So far, we have only come across media reports. No formal communication has been made to us in this re-gard.
He said once official communication is received, the foreign ministry will proceed with the necessary verification to establish their nationality.
He further noted that some Bengali-speaking individuals in India bear a close resemblance to Bangla-deshis, which underscores the importance of careful verification.
Asked about allegations of harassment of Bangladeshi nationals holding valid Indian visas, Hossain said the government would take appropriate steps if any specific complaints are received.
“There must be a clear understanding – those who travel with valid visas are expected to complete their visit and return home. However, if anyone violates the law, it is within the rights of the host country to take action,” he said.
The adviser said Bangladesh has not yet issued any travel advisory regarding India, but suggested that citizens should avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary during this time.
Hossain said Bangladesh would like to see peace and stability in the South Asia.
According to media reports, Indian authorities on Saturday claimed to have detained 1,024 illegal Bang-ladeshi immigrants during operations in Ahmedabad and Surat, Gujarat.
