Explaining former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri today said this is a "judicial legal process" and it requires "engagement and consultations" between the two governments.
"We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said.
Misri said this while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Beyond that, the Indian foreign secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) B Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present.
Responding to a question, Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite, or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people.
He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge.
Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Awami League, the Indian foreign secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government.
"We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don't think there is anything else to say with regards to that," said the foreign secretary.
Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently told reporters that Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for Sheikh Hasina's extradition to face trial at home. Hasina's trial has already begun and whether someone comes or not, the trial does not stop, he also said.
Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Hasina back to the country, the foreign adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary. "However, I do not see any need at the moment."
The government will continue to pursue the extradition of ousted PM, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year.
Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition.
A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.