Dhaka on Hasina's Delhi stay: 'Everything doesn't go by law'

Bangladesh reacts sharply after Indian media questions PM's extended stay

Dhaka says Sheikh Hasina's visit purely 'personal', doesn't require prior permission from India

Bangladesh has reacted sharply to Indian media reports questioning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extended stay in New Delhi, saying that not everything goes by the law.

The Indian media had reported that Hasina had overstayed her visa and was staying in India illegally. However, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has clarified that Hasina's visit is purely "personal" and does not require prior permission from the Indian government.

The High Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that Hasina had arrived in India on September 5 on a tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days. She had planned to return to Bangladesh on September 11, but her stay was extended due to "unforeseen circumstances".

The High Commission said that Hasina had informed the Indian government about her extended stay and had received the necessary permission.

"The High Commission would like to state that the Prime Minister's visit to India is purely personal. She is not here on an official visit and, therefore, does not require prior permission from the Government of India," the statement said.

The High Commission also said that Hasina's stay in India is "in line with the excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India".

The Indian media reports had claimed that Hasina had overstayed her visa by more than a month and was staying in India illegally. The reports had also questioned the purpose of her extended stay.

The Bangladesh High Commission's statement has clarified that Hasina's stay in India is legal and that she is not overstaying her visa.