India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said that India considers Awami League President Sheikh Hasina a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
In response to a question centring Hasina's statement congratulating Donald Trump on his presidential victory where she is referred to as the PM of Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, "We have already said from here that she [Sheikh Hasina] is a former prime minister of Bangladesh. So this is our position on this matter."
Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 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.
"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."
In this regard, Chattogram Metropolitan Police yesterday said the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was involved in the attack on law enforcement and acid throwing in the Hazari Gali area of Chattogram, triggered by a Facebook post.
The incident led to vandalism, tension, and the attack on security forces.
Regarding the man who had made the post, he said the suspect was now in custody.
Earlier in August, Interim government Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the interim government would prioritise protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minority groups in Bangladesh.
