Awami League president Sheikh Hasina is considered as the former prime minister of Bangladesh to India.
Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Randhir Jaiswal made the comment while replying to a question at the weekly briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
“We have said from this place that she is a former prime minister. So that is where it stands,” he said.
The question came as the word ‘prime minister’ was written within brackets before her name in a congratulatory message to President-elect Donald Trump.
She issued the statement as the President of Awami League.
But in the first line the press release mentioned the 'prime minister' within brackets before her name.
Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5, following a mass uprising, and since then, she has been residing in New Delhi.
However, India has not clarified the official status or title given to her by the Indian government. India considers her as a guest who arrived on short notice.
Replying to another question, the spokesperson said they have observed that there have been recent attacks on Hindu community in Chittagong.
“Their properties have been looted. Business establishments have been looted. This happened following an incendiary post on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations.
“It is understood that there are extremist elements who are behind such posts and such criminal activities,” he said.
“This is bound to create further tensions in the community. We yet again urge the government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and to take action against extremist elements.”
