Sheikh Hasina must be brought back to Bangladesh to face accountability for the killings of thousands of people during her rule, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir has said, dismissing the issue of her passport as “ridiculous”.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday afternoon after seeing off Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

“Demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina's passport is ridiculous. She fled after killing thousands of people. She must be brought back as a killer and terrorist under the prisoner exchange agreement,” the state minister said.

Asked about the proposed Bangladesh-Myanmar-China corridor, Kabir said the government saw no geopolitical risks associated with the initiative and believed it could have a positive impact on the country's economy.

However, he said the government would take a final decision after reviewing all relevant aspects.

Earlier, Kobir held a breakfast meeting with Liu Haixing at the State Guest House Padma.

During the meeting, the Chinese official assured Bangladesh of China's continued investment in various development projects in the country.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in politics, investment and regional connectivity.