New Delhi, Dec 23 (V7N)— The Indian government has confirmed receiving a diplomatic note from Dhaka requesting the return of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, India has refrained from making any public comment on the matter at this stage.

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, stated on Monday, "We received a verbal note from the Bangladesh High Commission on Monday requesting the return of Sheikh Hasina. However, we have no comment on the matter at this time."

The development follows Dhaka’s formal diplomatic communication with Delhi. Md. Towhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Bangladeshi government, confirmed that the request had been sent earlier on Monday.

“We have clearly informed India through a diplomatic note. It has been conveyed that Sheikh Hasina has been asked to return for trial,” Towhid Hossain said. He added that the communication was made via a note verbale (diplomatic letter), emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, left the country on August 5 amidst a wave of mass uprisings. Since then, she has been residing in India. Over a hundred murder cases have reportedly been filed against her, stemming from casualties during student and public movements. Additionally, she faces allegations before the International Crimes Tribunal.

The request for Sheikh Hasina’s return signals a significant escalation in legal and political proceedings. However, India’s measured response suggests a cautious approach to handling this sensitive issue.

Observers are closely monitoring the situation, which has the potential to impact the diplomatic relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

END/MSS/AJ