India 'playing Hasina card', says Bangladesh home minister

Amid growing discussions in the country's political arena over former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's planned homecoming in Dec this year, Bangladesh on Saturday accused India of "playing the Hasina card" even as it sought friendly ties with its neighbour, saying the two contradictory positions cannot be reconciled."India should clearly understand that it is not possible for you (India) to play the Hasina card and at the same time want friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh. The relations should be based on mutual respect and sovereignty," home minister Salahuddin Ahmed said. Tarique Rahman's government thinks Hasina is conspiring against the current government and making provocative statements from Indian soil."The Indian government is repeatedly giving her opportunities for meetings and talks, which is not desirable from a friendly neighbouring country," Ahmed said at a function in Dhaka.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.