Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday termed India’s decision to allow fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to address a press conference in New Delhi a “gross violation” of diplomatic norms.
In a statement, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that India was ignoring Bangladesh’s diplomatic appeals by continuing to shelter Hasina and allowing her to engage in political activities from its capital.
Hasina, who was sentenced to death in a crimes against humanity case, addressed the press conference in New Delhi on Wednesday night, coinciding with the second anniversary of the July uprising, drawing strong resentment from the Bangladesh government.
Porwar said Bangladesh sought to maintain relations with all countries, including neighbouring India, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, but accused New Delhi of disregarding Dhaka’s repeated requests regarding Hasina.
Calling the move a violation of international norms and diplomatic etiquette, he urged the government to take more effective steps, including seeking an Interpol red notice and UN assistance, to bring Hasina back.
He also alleged that India was ignoring the existing prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries.
Separately, Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman questioned why the government had failed to bring Hasina back despite the prisoner exchange agreement.
Speaking to journalists at the Bagerhat Circuit House yesterday, he said Jamaat wanted Hasina returned to face trial in Bangladesh, while stressing that the judicial process must be fair.
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/politics/news/india-flouts-norms-over-hasina-press-conference-says-jamaat-4242481
