India considers Hasina as ‘former prime minister’

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, referred to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina as the “former prime minister of Bangladesh” during a briefing on Thursday. 

“We have previously said that she is a former prime minister of Bangladesh,” Jaiswal said, iterating India's position amid recent questions about her official status.

The statement follows a recent Awami League congratulatory message to Donald Trump, where Sheikh Hasina was referred to as “the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.” 

In response, an Indian journalist queried whether India regards her as a former or “exiled” prime minister.

Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, in the face of a mass uprising, and has since resided in New Delhi. However, India has yet to officially clarify her title or status.

Jaiswal also expressed alarm over recent attacks on Hindu communities in Chattogram. 

He noted that extremists are believed to be behind these incidents, which were reportedly incited by provocative social media posts targeting Hindu communities. The Indian government has urged Bangladesh to act decisively to ensure the protection of minority communities and curb rising communal tensions, he said.

“These attacks, captured on video and showing intimidation and damage to Hindu religious organisations, are reprehensible,” Jaiswal said. 

He underscored that India is watching closely and calls for Bangladesh to take strong measures to maintain communal balance and protect the rights of all its citizens.