India currently examining Hasina's extradition issue: Touhid

The Indian government is currently examining the matter of extraditing Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (5 December).

"We have repeatedly asked India to extradite Sheikh Hasina. How they view the issue within their procedures is their internal affairs. But we remain firm from our position," he told journalists at the Circuit House in Rangpur this morning upon arriving for a four-day visit. 

The foreign adviser said he had no information regarding BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman's return.

The adviser stated that the hospital to be built in Nilphamari with assistance from China will serve the entire Rangpur region.

Noting that the interim government does not have much time left, he said they will continue to work for the development of the Rangpur region as long as they are in office. 

Issues including employment will be given serious consideration, he added.

The adviser said elections would be held in February, after which responsibilities will be handed over. The government has several plans to advance the relatively underdeveloped Rangpur region, he the foreign affairs adviser mentioned. 

He expressed hope that the elected government will implement the plans the current administration is putting in place.

"The northern region lags behind compared to other parts of the country. The entire cabinet is working with that in mind. We remain alert to ensuring that development disparities are reduced quickly," Touhid said.

He further said, "We are here for a short period. The plans we are laying out will be implemented in a continuous manner by the elected government."

During his four-day visit, the foreign affairs adviser is scheduled to inspect several important locations in Rangpur and Nilphamari.