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Amid various conflicting reports on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's status and location, the government of India on Thursday clarified that she arrived in India on short notice, while indicating that her stay there is likely to continue for the time being.
"We have seen some reports...I don't have any comments to offer. I had earlier mentioned she had come here (India) at a very short notice for safety reasons. She continues to be," said Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question at the weekly media briefing in New Delhi.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar clearly stated in a statement in the Indian Parliament that the approval for former Prime Minister Hasina to arrive in India was given at a short notice.
In Dhaka, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said they will take necessary steps and try to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back home as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued an arrest warrant against her and top Awami League leaders.
"We just have come to know this. We will try and take necessary preparations," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The adviser said they have one month's time in hand. "I don't want to say anything further," he said when asked for further details.
The International Crimes Tribunal directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18.
During his recent visit to New York, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes.
"Why shouldn't be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice... She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event."
Referring to Hasina, Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul recently said Bangladesh will definitely seek extradition of any convicted person under the extradition treaty with India once trials begin.
"We have an extradition treaty with India. As per the extradition treaty, if any convicted person stays in India, we can seek his or her extradition. We will soon let you know through the Law Ministry," he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing in Dhaka.
Asked when India would resume normal visa operations in Bangladesh, Jaiswal on Thursday said they are already issuing medical visas and visas for emergency requirements.
"Once the law and order situation (in Bangladesh) improves and the situation becomes conducive to our resumption of normal visa operations, we will do that," he said.
The Spokesperson also said India in the past issued statements on attacks on minorities and Hindus in Bangladesh and violence on Puja mandaps.