Though the former Bangladesh prime minister has given a series of email interviews over the past few months, it was her first media interaction after taking shelter in India. Hasina, 78, has been living in India since fleeing Dhaka on August 5, 2024. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, asked about Bangladesh’s strong reaction, reiterated the position taken by the Indian side ahead of the news conference. “Let me say that I have already stated the government’s position on the issue before the press conference happened. And whatever measures have to be taken in that regard, we take those to secure our interests,” he said.