Dhaka:India has requested 'effective consular access' for individuals claiming to be Indian nationals currently held in Bangladeshi prisons. Dhaka has responded by stating that it addresses each case promptly, although the verification process requires time.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is actively engaging with Bangladeshi authorities to expedite consular access and facilitate the repatriation of Indian nationals after necessary formalities are completed. Among these cases is that of Charal Devi, who has completed her sentence. The Indian Mission has officially requested her repatriation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) via a Note Verbale. Despite follow-ups, including a reminder sent on September 22, there has been no response from the MoFA.
A government source mentioned that consular access is a regular and reciprocal process, leading to repatriation once sentences are served. The source highlighted that though they cannot comment on specific cases, each instance is addressed promptly, with verification and communication with relatives being part of the systematic process.
In response to reports about 45 Indian nationals in Jashore Jail preparing to return home, sources at the Indian High Commission indicated that they consistently raise the issue of consular access with the MoFA. While approval has been given in principle in several cases, actual access has sometimes been obstructed by prison authorities, complicating efforts to confirm the identities and nationalities of the individuals involved.