Bangladesh has linked a proposed bilateral visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the creation of a “propitious environment,” explicitly conditioning high-level diplomatic engagement on New Delhi’s response to pending extradition requests, according to Foreign Ministry officials in Dhaka.
Shahidul Karim stated that while officials from Bangladesh and New Delhi have remained in contact for several weeks regarding a visit by Prime Minister Rahman, the diplomatic process has faced significant complications.
Hasina’s Media Interaction and Extradition Demands
According to Karim, the diplomatic efforts surrounding the proposed visit have been “vitiated” by an open press interaction held on August 5 in New Delhi by Sheikh Hasina. Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, fled to India following deadly anti-government protests that removed her from power. She has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh on charges of committing crimes against humanity and faces the death penalty.
Dhaka expressed “outrage” over the platform provided to Hasina during her virtual press event. While India’s Ministry of External Affairs subsequently stated that it did not endorse her remarks, the interaction drew sharp criticism from Bangladeshi authorities.
In response to the developments, Karim announced that Dhaka has formally asked Indian authorities to act expeditiously on outstanding extradition requests. Bangladesh is pressing New Delhi to extradite Hasina along with other fugitive criminals, and to hand over individuals accused of killing Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi in accordance with the bilateral extradition treaty. Karim confirmed that Bangladesh is currently awaiting a formal response from Indian authorities.
Diplomatic Channels and Regional Policy
The discussions concerning Prime Minister Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi follow a recent meeting in Dhaka between India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, and Prime Minister Rahman. Trivedi also conferred with Bangladesh’s home minister and the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, before returning to New Delhi to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Despite ongoing bilateral talks covering energy cooperation and regional connectivity, the timing of Rahman’s visit remains unfinalized. While dates in late August and early September were reportedly under consideration, and India has publicly reiterated an invitation for Rahman to attend the BRICS summit in Delhi in September, Dhaka maintains that a conducive environment must be established first.
Karim reiterated that the administration will continue to pursue a “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, prioritizing sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference, and mutual benefit in its relations with neighbors and the international community.
