Dhaka: Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today said Bangladesh would bring back any of its nationals detained in India, but verification is required to confirm their citizenship. "If anyone detained in India is proven to be a Bangladeshi national, we will certainly bring them back," he told reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser mentioned that the verification process is crucial to determine the nationality of those detained. "So far, we have only come across media reports. No formal communication has been made to us in this regard," he noted. If official communication is received, the foreign ministry will proceed with the necessary verification to establish their nationality.
He further explained that some Bengali-speaking individuals in India closely resemble Bangladeshis, emphasizing the importance of careful verification. Addressing concerns about potential harassment of Bangladeshi nationals holding valid Indian visas, Hossain stated that the government would take appropriate action if any specific complaints are reported. He stressed the expectation that individuals traveling with valid visas should complete their visits and return home, while recognizing the host country's rights to act against legal violations.
Hossain also mentioned that Bangladesh has not issued any travel advisory regarding India but advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel during this period. He expressed Bangladesh's desire for peace and stability in South Asia.
According to media reports, Indian authorities on Saturday claimed to have detained 1,024 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants during operations in Ahmedabad and Surat, Gujarat.