Bangladesh will repatriate any of its citizens who are detained in India, according to Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain, although citizenship must be verified.
“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 this 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 regard.
“The foreign ministry will proceed with the necessary verification to establish their nationality as soon as official communication is received,” he said.
He added that some Bengali-speaking people in India are very similar to Bangladeshis, which emphasizes the significance of thorough verification.
In response to questions on claims of harassment against Bangladeshi nationals with valid Indian visas, Hossain stated that if any specific complaints are received, the government will take the necessary action.
“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 Bangladeshi immigrants during operations in Ahmedabad and Surat, Gujarat.
