India has officially received a letter from the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting assistance in facilitating the return of Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister and President of the Awami League. The news, reported by NDTV on Monday, December 23, cites anonymous sources confirming the development. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue any formal statement regarding the matter.

According to NDTV, a source stated, "We confirm receiving a diplomatic note from the Bangladesh High Commission regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return. At this moment, we have no further comments to make on the issue."

Earlier, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain revealed that a formal request had been made to India to facilitate Sheikh Hasina’s return for judicial proceedings in Bangladesh. He clarified that the message was conveyed through diplomatic channels, emphasizing Bangladesh’s desire to ensure that the return aligns with judicial requirements.

Hossain also highlighted the existing prisoner exchange agreement between the two nations, noting that Sheikh Hasina’s return could be facilitated under the terms of this agreement. He reiterated that Bangladesh has communicated its position to India clearly and diplomatically.

On the same day, during the BGB Day celebrations at Pilkhana, Home Affairs Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been instructed to initiate necessary measures and communicate with Indian authorities regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return.

Sheikh Hasina, aged 77, left Bangladesh on August 5 amid widespread protests. Her return has since been a point of significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The issue underscores the importance of collaboration between India and Bangladesh on legal and humanitarian matters within the framework of their longstanding bilateral agreements.