India views Sheikh Hasina as former Bangladesh PM: Indian Foreign Ministry

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated on Thursday (7 November) that India regards Awami League President Sheikh Hasina as a former prime minister of Bangladesh.

Responding to a question about Sheikh Hasina’s congratulatory statement to Donald Trump on his presidential victory, where she was referred to as the prime minister of Bangladesh, Jaiswal stated, "We have already clarified that she [Sheikh Hasina] is a former prime minister of Bangladesh. This remains our position on the matter."

Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on 5 August in the face of a student movement. She travelled to India, where she has been living since. The Indian government has not clarified what Hasina's current status in the country is.

On the recent rounds of tensions in Chattogram, he said some provocative statements were made on social media resulting in those. 

Randhir Jaiswal said, "There have been recent attacks on Hindu communities in Chittagong. Their properties have been looted, their business establishments have been looted. And these happened following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations."

"It is understood that there are extremist elements behind such posts and criminal activities. This is bound to create further tensions in the community. We yet again urge the Bangladesh government to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements," he added.