India says it expects Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification process

India today said it expected Bangladesh to expedite the verification of nationalities of suspected illegal immigrants as soon as possible so that their deportation of those staying illegally in this country can be taken forward in a smooth and efficient manner.      

As far as deportation of these people is concerned, there is a bilateral mechanism in place…..We refer these cases to the Bangladesh side for them to verify the nationality of these people. And once it is verified, then we take forward the deportation process,’ Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told the weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

He said India has sent many of these requests “which are still pending with the Bangladesh side. We hope and expect that they will be expedited as soon as possible so that the deportation of people who are illegally staying in India can be taken forward in a smooth and efficient manner,” he said.

Jaiswal was asked a question about Bangladesh accusing the Indian authorities of pushing in people through the border.

Jaiswal said “for all nationals in India, if they are here, including from Bangladesh, we have laws to deal with them. And they will be dealt with accordingly.”

Asked to comment on a remark by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesman Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, Jaiswal said “I have not seen the remark. Once I see that, I will get back to you.

Replying to a question if push-ins would jeopardize India-Bangladesh ties, the MEA spokesman said, “overall India wants to further strengthen its ties with Bangladesh and take them forward,” the MEA spokesman said.